The process of an American citizen reuniting with a foreign born citizen spouse is strenuous and bureaucratic.
The proces goes this three bureaucratic departments, USICS, Departement of State, and finally to the consulate. Each department ask for fees that amounts to thousands of dollars and in the end the consulate usually deny the couple to reunite. Reasons for a denials are usually not give other than saying "it was within reason for the officer to deny the couple reuniting".