Get ready for some truly pivotal moments in the “90 Day Fiance” universe, as two controversial yet captivating stars have made monumental moves to the United States, promising new chapters filled with love, challenges, and the potential for a dramatic return to the franchise! First, Sarper Güven has officially arrived in the U.S. to marry his partner, Shekinah Garner, a significant decision given his initial preference to live in Turkey. This bold leap of faith underscores his commitment to love, hoping it will “pay off” in America. This move mirrors that of fellow controversial star Jasmine Pineda, who also successfully entered the United States in 2023 after a long and public wait.
But the biggest news comes from another beloved (and sometimes infamous) couple: Steven Johnston and his Russian wife, Alina Johnston! Steven, who first appeared in “90 Day Fiancé: The Other Way” season 3, recently shared a massive update: Alina has reached a truly “significant milestone” in their journey. In a heartwarming video announcement, Steven and Alina confirmed that they have finally arrived in the United States together! Steven enthusiastically told their followers, “A lot of you have been asking where we are, we’re here in Utah.” He went on to explain that Alina’s successful entry into America came after “years of planning, prayers, and paperwork,” highlighting the immense effort and dedication required to navigate the complex immigration process. This long-awaited moment marks the culmination of their journey documented on “The Other Way,” where they chose for Steven to live in Russia, emphasizing just how monumental this reversal is.
The couple’s arrival was celebrated in true American fashion. Steven revealed that Alina was given an exceptionally warm welcome, complete with fireworks, because it was “Pioneer Day” in Utah—a local state holiday marked by festive displays. He concluded his exciting message by promising, “Tonight, I’m taking Alina to see some fireworks at the ball park,” ensuring her first moments in the U.S. were truly memorable and celebratory.
What Steven & Alina’s Move to America Means: New Beginnings and Franchise Hopes
Steven and Alina’s successful move to the United States is poised to have a profoundly positive impact on their relationship and open up a myriad of new opportunities. Now that they are on American soil, they are “prepared to advance their relationship” in ways that were challenging while living abroad. Their relocation is “expected to have a positive impact on their marriage,” allowing them to finally “begin to work towards a future together.” This includes significant relationship goals that many couples share, such as “purchasing a home, growing their family, and reaching other relationship goals” that were likely on hold due to their immigration struggles and frequent travel. This development promises to bring a new level of stability and normalcy to their often turbulent love story.
Beyond their personal lives, Steven and Alina’s arrival in the United States could also have a major impact on their presence within the “90 Day Fiance” franchise. Their move “could potentially provide them with new opportunities, especially if they are interested in sharing their journey on TV once again.” When the couple first appeared in “90 Day Fiancé: The Other Way” season 3, they quickly became “one of the most memorable pairs.” Despite their controversies, their unique dynamic and Steven’s sometimes outlandish behavior left a lasting impression, leaving “some fans eagerly anticipating their return.”
The article directly addresses why they haven’t been seen on a full season since: “However, likely due to their frequent traveling, they were unable to commit to filming another full season.” This logistical hurdle is now removed. With Steven and Alina firmly “in the United States,” the path is clear for them to “participate in future seasons of a ’90 Day Fiancé’ spin-off.” This “spoiler” strongly suggests that fans could see them on screens again soon, perhaps navigating the challenges of American life, pursuing their relationship goals, or even dealing with new familial pressures that arise from their new location. Their journey, marked by cultural differences, religious challenges, and long-distance struggles, has always been compelling, and a return to the franchise would undoubtedly be met with excitement from their dedicated fanbase.
Our Take: Overcoming Challenges and a Call for Authenticity
From an observer’s perspective, Steven and Alina’s achievement of finally arriving in the United States is genuinely “heartwarming.” Despite their rocky road and Steven’s past questionable actions, their persistence in pursuing their life together against significant odds is commendable. The hope is that “they will consider returning to the franchise again,” as many viewers of “90 Day Fiancé: The Other Way” have expressed a preference to “watch genuine and honest couples rather than those who are not.” This sentiment underscores a desire among fans for authenticity and real-life struggles, which Steven and Alina have certainly provided in abundance. Their return could offer a much-needed dose of genuine relationship progression and real-world challenges, rather than fabricated drama that sometimes permeates other storylines.
The implications for their story are vast. Will Alina adapt easily to American life, or will new cultural clashes emerge? Will Steven’s more eccentric tendencies be amplified or subdued by their new environment? And how will their relationship evolve now that the physical distance and immigration hurdles are behind them? Their journey, marked by “years of planning, prayers, and paperwork,” is a testament to their dedication to each other, making their ongoing story highly anticipated.
As viewers continue to follow the various couples across the “90 Day Fiance” universe, the news of Steven and Alina’s successful U.S. arrival stands out as a significant development. It promises not only a new chapter in their personal lives but also a potential fresh wave of content for the avid fans who have followed their every step. Their story serves as a reminder that for many in the franchise, the journey to the U.S. is not just about a K-1 visa, but about building a life and a future, one challenge at a time.
“90 Day Fiancé: Happily Ever After?” season 9 airs Sundays at 8 p.m. EDT on TLC. While Steven and Alina are not on the current season, their move undoubtedly sets the stage for future appearances, ensuring that their unique and often unpredictable love story will continue to captivate audiences.
👉 What are your hopes for Steven and Alina now that they are living in the U.S., and which “90 Day Fiance” spin-off do you think they would be best suited for if they return to the franchise? Share your thoughts below! 👇