Additional Coverage:
- I married a man I’d known for 6 months to be with him in the US. It didn’t work out. (businessinsider.com)
From Zurich to Minneapolis, a Whirlwind Romance and an Unexpected Detour
Lee-Anne Spurdens, originally from Cape Town, South Africa, never imagined a chance encounter in Zurich would lead to a whirlwind marriage and an eventual divorce – all thanks to a helpful nudge from US Homeland Security.
Spurdens, then 30 and living in Zurich, met her “knight in shining armor” and instantly felt a connection. After a memorable first date, she confidently declared to herself, “I’m going to marry that guy.” She was right, but the path to the altar was far from ordinary.
The couple embarked on a long-distance relationship, flitting between Zurich, London, and eventually Minneapolis, where her partner relocated for work. Five months in, Spurdens decided to join him in Minneapolis for a trial run.
However, her arrival at US immigration took an unexpected turn. Despite having visited the US numerous times without incident, she was detained and questioned.
Hours later, she was denied entry, leaving her shocked and heartbroken.
A week later, her “knight” flew to Zurich, armed with support from his understanding boss and a team of immigration lawyers. The lawyers’ advice?
Marriage. So, over coffee at Starbucks, the couple decided to tie the knot.
No grand proposal, just a pragmatic solution to a bureaucratic hurdle.
Newly married and equipped with a spousal visa, Spurdens returned to the US, this time welcomed with open arms. She embraced life in Minneapolis, exploring the city, braving the winters, and even developing a fondness for ice hockey. Life was good, for a while.
As the initial excitement faded, the couple realized they were better suited as fairytale characters than life partners. The pressures of a whirlwind romance, immigration challenges, and a cross-continental move took their toll. Three years after their unconventional wedding, they amicably divorced.
The divorce meant Spurdens lost her spousal visa and her ability to live in the US. Denied entry and unable to utilize the Visa Waiver Program, she hasn’t seen her family in the US for over 16 years.
While the experience led to heartache, she reflects on it with a sense of humor, acknowledging that it undeniably shaped her life. Now, years later, she’s considering applying for a visitor visa again, hoping to finally reunite with her loved ones.
It’s a story that continues to unfold, a testament to the unpredictable turns life can take.
Read More About This Story:
- I married a man I’d known for 6 months to be with him in the US. It didn’t work out. (businessinsider.com)