Jump to content
Smelserjl

Experiences of Discrimination Against Immigrants

 Share

74 posts in this topic

Recommended Posts

Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Egypt
Timeline

Hi everyone,

We are finally nearing the end (hopefully) of this long and annoying immigration process. My husband's interview is scheduled for this coming Thursday. I know we still have AP to get through, but I'll just hope and pray it doesn't take too long.

While this is the least of my worries about when my husband is here, I keep thinking about how people will treat him. I live in a pretty rural area and my family is all evangelical Christian--he is Muslim and Egyptian. They've known we were together for 3 years and they're fine with it, but I can't shake the feeling that he'll be treated badly off and on while in the US (not specifically by my family!). I've told him that I think the closer we live to the city (DC for us), the less likely he is to experience anything bad since that area is pretty multicultural. He sees news periodically about anti-Muslim rallies (like the one in Phoenix yesterday) and the shootings in North Carolina, etc. He worries. And so do I.

Anyone experience these sorts of things? Any tips?

Edited by Smelserjl
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Egypt
Timeline

Well, you can't protect him. And your farther up north, there are quite a bit more muslims up north than there are where I live. Try living in the bible belt of good ole Alabama! My parents are Church of Christ. They resisted this whole relationship in the beginning, until they got to know him. We have faced our share of racism. Or rather 'I'. What has happened I have kept from from him. Slanderous remarks from our landlord, being turned down for housing, mostly that was the two biggies. Overall, he has been pretty much accepted and welcomed by our community. It was very difficult getting employment. Not having working history here. Doesn't matter what degrees you hold oversea's, without United States work history, your starting from the bottom... and it's even hard to get in from the bottom. We gave up trying, after applying to every place in the area. So we started our own business. We have a very successful Cell Phone Repair business and he has been accepted by our customers... many are very curious about where he came from. lol Even the Adhan goes off right on time in our business, and no one says a word, conversation goes right on as usual. Now this is a town with a church about every block! You are going to meet alot of ignorant people out there. What is important is, "What are you and your husband going to make out of your life?" What kind of example are you going to set? Don't spend your time worrying about what other people think. Because there's always going to be 'those' people out there. The more you stress about it, the more he will stress about it. Already he is worrying too much... just be happy and enjoy the life ahead of you. ;-)

Thank you so much for your story. I know there isn't anything I can do about it, but I guess I worry he will hate it here and want to go back to Egypt. We pretty much already decided that we'd like to spend our life between both countries but settle here. You are right though, we are not in the Bible Belt--we're in Virginia. Some pockets seem worse than others. I'm glad you all were able to find a niche in your community and educate others about his culture and religion :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Wales
Timeline

When in Rome comes to mind.

Most people are not that interested in your culture, if they ask then fair enough.

As far as I can recollect a few odd questions but not in depth discussions.

“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.”

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: China
Timeline

i say study a map and find the nearest mosque and go in. this week or next. Talk with the Imam/Mullah there about 'enclaves' and 'geographic densities' and then have a conversation about seeking employment 'in the community'.

TBH, I'm surprised you not do that, yet. It's a big dealio.

Sometimes my language usage seems confusing - please feel free to 'read it twice', just in case !
Ya know, you can find the answer to your question with the advanced search tool, when using a PC? Ditch the handphone, come back later on a PC, and try again.

-=-=-=-=-=R E A D ! ! !=-=-=-=-=-

Whoa Nelly ! Want NVC Info? see http://www.visajourney.com/wiki/index.php/NVC_Process

Congratulations on your approval ! We All Applaud your accomplishment with Most Wonderful Kissies !

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Morocco
Timeline

i say study a map and find the nearest mosque and go in. this week or next. Talk with the Imam/Mullah there about 'enclaves' and 'geographic densities' and then have a conversation about seeking employment 'in the community'.

TBH, I'm surprised you not do that, yet. It's a big dealio.

Let's not and say we did....

“You cannot enter heaven until you believe, and you will not truly believe until you (truly) love one another.” [Muslim, Al-Iman (Faith); 93]

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Wales
Timeline

I think the idea was that this would be happening in the US not Egypt.

“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.”

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Morocco
Timeline

That was my idea too.... I doesn't matter if its in usa or Eqypt... in Islam.. its simply not done. A wife never conducts personal business in leu of her husband. Or business of any matter. He will have plenty of time to do it for himself when he gets here.

“You cannot enter heaven until you believe, and you will not truly believe until you (truly) love one another.” [Muslim, Al-Iman (Faith); 93]

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Wales
Timeline

Not sure the OP fits into that category.

“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.”

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Morocco
Timeline

Not sure the OP fits into that category.

And why? Did you read the OP'S first post? Her husband is muslim, same as my husband. Is there another Islam category that I'm not aware of? I live in this faith/religion/culture everyday. If he is a practicing muslim...he will have the same viewpoints. A wife doesn't step on a husbands toes in some areas. I mean she has every right to do as she wants. Every is to each his own. I was simply saying to others that not all cultures are the same, and when we marry into a culture we have to respect or adopt certain things outside the usual american norm. Her doing that, going to a mosque to ask about employment for her husband, would be considered a slap in the face to her husband to most 95% of muslim men.

Edited by MouadsWife

“You cannot enter heaven until you believe, and you will not truly believe until you (truly) love one another.” [Muslim, Al-Iman (Faith); 93]

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Filed: Timeline

I think discriminations are meted out pretty much to everyone

be it nationality, color, race, or other reasons.

Focus on both of you & your marriage, you cannot shield him from

prejudices and can help him with ignoring negatives but assimilating

to this culture....don't worry about discriminations

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Filed: Timeline

He can change his name to a Christian name like Mike instead of Abdul.

I don't think most people mind.

Hi everyone,

We are finally nearing the end (hopefully) of this long and annoying immigration process. My husband's interview is scheduled for this coming Thursday. I know we still have AP to get through, but I'll just hope and pray it doesn't take too long.

While this is the least of my worries about when my husband is here, I keep thinking about how people will treat him. I live in a pretty rural area and my family is all evangelical Christian--he is Muslim and Egyptian. They've known we were together for 3 years and they're fine with it, but I can't shake the feeling that he'll be treated badly off and on while in the US (not specifically by my family!). I've told him that I think the closer we live to the city (DC for us), the less likely he is to experience anything bad since that area is pretty multicultural. He sees news periodically about anti-Muslim rallies (like the one in Phoenix yesterday) and the shootings in North Carolina, etc. He worries. And so do I.

Anyone experience these sorts of things? Any tips?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Morocco
Timeline

My mom suggested the same thing for my husband. But it doesn't cover up middle eastern appearances and accent. I didnt want my husband to change the name his mother gave him. I don't think we should have to change our appearances or our names for society to accept us. Its ludicrous to go from normal to out of the box to be accepted. Ie for a muslim man to take a Christian name. People should stand firm for who they are.

“You cannot enter heaven until you believe, and you will not truly believe until you (truly) love one another.” [Muslim, Al-Iman (Faith); 93]

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: Egypt
Timeline

My husband expressed some concerns to me when the Chapel Hill shootings happened. We talked and I assured him we are in a good place for him (Maryland) and he will do well just to be a good example and go about his business. Than he turned his worries on if I was safe...lol I love that man!!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 
Didn't find the answer you were looking for? Ask our VJ Immigration Lawyers.

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
- Back to Top -

Important Disclaimer: Please read carefully the Visajourney.com Terms of Service. If you do not agree to the Terms of Service you should not access or view any page (including this page) on VisaJourney.com. Answers and comments provided on Visajourney.com Forums are general information, and are not intended to substitute for informed professional medical, psychiatric, psychological, tax, legal, investment, accounting, or other professional advice. Visajourney.com does not endorse, and expressly disclaims liability for any product, manufacturer, distributor, service or service provider mentioned or any opinion expressed in answers or comments. VisaJourney.com does not condone immigration fraud in any way, shape or manner. VisaJourney.com recommends that if any member or user knows directly of someone involved in fraudulent or illegal activity, that they report such activity directly to the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement. You can contact ICE via email at Immigration.Reply@dhs.gov or you can telephone ICE at 1-866-347-2423. All reported threads/posts containing reference to immigration fraud or illegal activities will be removed from this board. If you feel that you have found inappropriate content, please let us know by contacting us here with a url link to that content. Thank you.
×
×
  • Create New...