Hello to all and just a word I am so grateful to have fpound you guys. After reading over all the info, I think the CR/1 is the way for me to go. Anyway, I married Mohammed in Cairo in Jan / 08 and moved with the intentions of my 15 yo daughter coming soon after. My daughter and I both have a health condition that requires a specialist to treat us. I was sure I would find a qualified physician in Cairo, but there isn't one. We were both chemically poisoned and are allergic to chemicals and must take medication daily for life. Since coming here my own health has went down due to the polluted air here. My daughter can't come to live with my hubby and I now and my parents aren't able to continue having her in their care. Does anyone know if there is help for someone in my situation as I know I must live here for 6 months before I file DCF? I can't leave my daughter with no one to watch her and I do not want to have to look in my husbands eyes at the airport knowing I may never see him again due to my own poor health while living here. Any advise would be appreciated.

Joni

Well, why don't you go back to the States if your health is bothering you too much? Also, it seems strange that you would leave your child back in the states to go and live with your husband. Doesn't your child miss you and need you? Who is more emotionally mature to handle long seperations, your husband or your child?

While it is good to show you and your husband have shared a life together....it is equally important to show that you have an established LIFE in the USA. Meaning you are working and have a residence. This goes towards proving DOMICILE.

The process is slow no matter if you file directly at the Consulate or with USCIS. Either way goes to the National Visa Center for processing and again after the interview, there will be a process called AP (administrative processing). It will be many months waiting.

I started the process in December 2007 and we are still waiting...

Joni, I really sympathize with your situation. I've had to leave my husband at the Cairo airport 3 times - each time does not get any easier. We have to agree not to cry, as that just makes us both more upset. Of course, after I get through the security, I break down. It's not easy, I know. At the same time, my husband and I know this is best for our relationship, in order to secure our future. I have responsibilities in the US, and he wants me to go on and live my life and build for our life together. For you, both your health and your daughter are serious factors that you must consider. I've lived in Egypt for about a year, and eventhough I loved it, I understand the environmental differences and challenges that you are facing on a daily basis. At the same time, it is a culture where family is *extremely* important, and I suspect your husband would honor and respect whatever decision you have to make for the sake of your daughter.

I'll be thinking of you and hoping you will have some peace of mind in whatever you choose to do.

This is a very long process any way you go, you must take care of your health for now and later, why subject yourself to getting worse? Your child and yourself must come first, the togetherness will come in time so stay healthy for this