Are you currently in Administrative Processing?

[Confused 2 94]

Wait a second, I won't comment on the claim that most of today's terrorists are Muslims -- I can understand why you believe that

please explain the claim that "most of your kin with similar names are trying to come in with all kinds of destructive intentions."

to me this means that most other Arabs and Muslims have terrorist intentions.

so what you are saying is the majority of people applying for visas to the United States in the Arab and Muslim world are coming here for terrorist acts..

it would be good to know where you got that information..

Lama

I am not claiming that most muslims are terrorists or viceversa however, quite a few common Arab names are shared by terrorists too and that is where the probem is. Now if the innocent ones could protest against the terrorists instead of calling AP racist, the problems would get solved quicker. Treat the ailment, not the symptom. BTW, I was in AP too, not because of my common name but because of my father's profession (he's retired now). I did not think it was racist. A country has a right to protect its borders and its people against any potential threats.

[lalouse 1]

I am not claiming that most muslims are terrorists or viceversa however, quite a few common Arab names are shared by terrorists too and that is where the probem is. Now if the innocent ones could protest against the terrorists instead of calling AP racist, the problems would get solved quicker. Treat the ailment, not the symptom. BTW, I was in AP too, not because of my common name but because of my father's profession (he's retired now). I did not think it was racist. A country has a right to protect its borders and its people against any potential threats.

In case you forgot, I'm a US Citizen, and was one long before you were. I've lived in the United States probably for longer than you have and much longer than my fiance (who is still not here yet). I'm the first person to object to terrorism in any form, including home grown and international terrorism, because I live in New York City and it is a threat to my personal safety and this country's sovereignty. I work in the area of criminal justice in the United States for one of the largest states in the nation, have an advanced degree from the #1 university in the country, and do not say things without thinking them through.

However, as an Arab-American and a Muslim, with civil and legal rights given to me by this nation, I also have a right to protest discrimination carried out by leaders in this country. That includes discrimination at home in the United States and discriminatory practices by the United States abroad.

As I've said over, and over, Yes, AP is practiced in many countries. It is used for a variety of reasons all over the world. But it is utter discrimination for a large group of people in certain countries to suffer from it because of their individual unsubstantiated possible connections to terrorism.

I'm not saying that the United States should not protect its borders. I'm saying it should be more creative and have ways that do not discriminate against people and do not allow families and loved ones to suffer due to a lengthy, life-altering process.

You don't have to support this effort. I'm just looking for people who do, trying to find the numbers, and will try to use legitimate constitutional means to end this form of discrimination against Muslims and Arabs who are only trying to reunite with their loved ones and have a better life in the United States.

will that end all AP? No.

Will it hopefully end AP for the vast majority of Muslim/Arab men who have never done a suspicious thing in their life other than be given a Muslim/Arab name at birth? Yes.

[EAbbas 213]

In case you forgot, I'm a US Citizen, and was one long before you were. I've lived in the United States probably for longer than you have and much longer than my fiance (who is still not here yet). I'm the first person to object to terrorism in any form, including home grown and international terrorism, because I live in New York City and it is a threat to my personal safety and this country's sovereignty. I work in the area of criminal justice in the United States for one of the largest states in the nation, have an advanced degree from the #1 university in the country, and do not say things without thinking them through.

However, as an Arab-American and a Muslim, with civil and legal rights given to me by this nation, I also have a right to protest discrimination carried out by leaders in this country. That includes discrimination at home in the United States and discriminatory practices by the United States abroad.

As I've said over, and over, Yes, AP is practiced in many countries. It is used for a variety of reasons all over the world. But it is utter discrimination for a large group of people in certain countries to suffer from it because of their individual unsubstantiated possible connections to terrorism.

I'm not saying that the United States should not protect its borders. I'm saying it should be more creative and have ways that do not discriminate against people and do not allow families and loved ones to suffer due to a lengthy, life-altering process.

You don't have to support this effort. I'm just looking for people who do, trying to find the numbers, and will try to use legitimate constitutional means to end this form of discrimination against Muslims and Arabs who are only trying to reunite with their loved ones and have a better life in the United States.

will that end all AP? No.

Will it hopefully end AP for the vast majority of Muslim/Arab men who have never done a suspicious thing in their life other than be given a Muslim/Arab name at birth? Yes.

That's very well put... and I must say we did expect AP at some level we werent afraid of it but now at 5 months and counting after the interview??? with nothing but pending? no answers.. and btw if the CO wants he can keep putting my husband thru as many name checks as he wants.. why? if nothing came up why continue? I feel let down I feel frustrated and discriminated against... all bcos my husband is from the middle east... and to be quite honest its only a few rotten apples that create issues for the good ones... do name checks, do what needs to be done but once its cleared why continue to make us suffer?

[venusfire503 54]

Why do people claim that Muslims and Arabs do not speak out against terrorism?

Do just a little research, and you will find that they do.

Here are just a few links:

http://www.cgnews.org/article.php?id=1308&lan=en&sp=0

http://kurzman.unc.edu/islamic-statements-against-terrorism/

http://hananiacreators.blogspot.com/2005/01/do-muslims-denounce-terrorism-yes-they.html

http://www.cair.com/AmericanMuslims/AntiTerrorism.aspx

There ia also a Facebook group called Muslims against Muslim Extremists. There are likely other groups online, but I don't spend much time surfing, so I wouldn't know about them.

My husband, who isn't famous or part of any organizations or anything, is very much opposed to terrorism - as I'm sure all of you are. His opposition to terrorism isn't broadcast to the world just as mine isn't (other than this post!).

Not only do Arabs and Muslims have to deal with the same emotions about it as the rest of us, but they also have to worry about being discriminated against because the terrorists have soiled their reputation. I'm upset with the terrorists because of what they did to Americans, and to our country. My husband is, too. But we're also upset because their actions have made the lives of so many innocent Arabs and Muslims so much more difficult and complicated. That's something that many people probably don't even think about (if I wasn't married to an Arab Muslim, I probably wouldn't be so aware of it).

[mrsalfayad 6]

AP is mandatory for all Middle Eastern countries, but its also mandatory for high fraud countries as well (southeast Asian countries, some African countries, and some South/Latin American countries) -- so its not just the Arabs and Arabophiles who get singled out. Yes, I agree that it is incredibly frustrating and there should be some sort of way to streamline the process.

I am sure that some people with unique names probably get through quickly because their name doesn't match up with whatever lists the DOS has on file -- even if they are from an Muslim country or a "T" threat country. Others, if they happen to have a common name, might take a bit longer. There very well could be like 30 John Smiths on the lists, and if your fiance's name happens to also be John Smith, DOS is going to have to go through and check to make sure that he's not one of those 30.

Long story short, AP sucks. It is biased (I say biased, not racist). It needs to be limited or streamlined somehow. And we need to try to be supportive of each other while we sit around and wait for it to be done.

Happy thanksgiving, all!

P.S. Anyone going through AP in Jordan? Any ideas on how long its been taking for most people?

[mrsalfayad 6]

Why do people claim that Muslims and Arabs do not speak out against terrorism?

Do just a little research, and you will find that they do.

Here are just a few links:

http://www.cgnews.org/article.php?id=1308&lan=en&sp=0

http://kurzman.unc.edu/islamic-statements-against-terrorism/

http://hananiacreators.blogspot.com/2005/01/do-muslims-denounce-terrorism-yes-they.html

http://www.cair.com/AmericanMuslims/AntiTerrorism.aspx

There ia also a Facebook group called Muslims against Muslim Extremists. There are likely other groups online, but I don't spend much time surfing, so I wouldn't know about them.

My husband, who isn't famous or part of any organizations or anything, is very much opposed to terrorism - as I'm sure all of you are. His opposition to terrorism isn't broadcast to the world just as mine isn't (other than this post!).

Not only do Arabs and Muslims have to deal with the same emotions about it as the rest of us, but they also have to worry about being discriminated against because the terrorists have soiled their reputation. I'm upset with the terrorists because of what they did to Americans, and to our country. My husband is, too. But we're also upset because their actions have made the lives of so many innocent Arabs and Muslims so much more difficult and complicated. That's something that many people probably don't even think about (if I wasn't married to an Arab Muslim, I probably wouldn't be so aware of it).

Good links! Also check out The Nawal Foundation -- promoting no violence in the name of Islam, no silence for domestic radicalization, and for the protection of America.

[Wendy<3Ahmed 12]

Still in AP(Cairo),coming up on our 2 month mark. I know that I shouldnt complain comparing to the months or years that other couples may have. But I do honestly miss my hubby so much. Wish everyone good news here on this threat and that we may all start a new calender year with our loves.

[lalouse 1]

Still in AP(Cairo),coming up on our 2 month mark. I know that I shouldnt complain comparing to the months or years that other couples may have. But I do honestly miss my hubby so much. Wish everyone good news here on this threat and that we may all start a new calender year with our loves.

We're coming up on the 6 month mark. I make the calls every couple of days now, and send emails to the embassy. They are pretty much sick of me, but I just cannot stop calling or trying to get an update. I miss my fiance tremendously and can't even take a vacation to visit him because I just started a new job a couple months ago.

I really hope he is here before the new year!!

[mrsalfayad 6]

Best of luck to everyone and HANG IN THERE! This too shall pass!

I am a newbie to AP, so I am hoping for an educated answer from all the veterans out there. I was under the impression that AP takes place at DOS or other agencies in DC. We received notice that our case is in AP as of 11/14, but I called DOS today and they said that our case is still at the Embassy in Amman.

Are all cases required to go to DOS? Can AP be done just at the embassy? Which parts of the AP process take place in each location and is it a "good" or "bad" sign that our case is still just sitting at the embassy after 3 weeks?

Any further information would be appreciated!! Thanks for your time and inshallah your patience will be rewarded!

[Kathryn41 3,205]

Post violating TOS has been removed.

[lalouse 1]

Welcome to the lonely road of AP! I don't mean to discourage you, but it can be lonely when one person is in one place, and their lover is in another, and they are both frustrated over the AP.

When you talk to the State Department, they will almost always say that your case is at the Embassy. I've talked to the embassy (in Lebanon) and they have said that the case is in Washington and they are waiting for clearance from there. I think it's either just difficult to know where exactly it is or no one is honest about it, or it moves around alot for verification of information purposes. There is also reason to believe that it goes to other agencies, possibly homeland security and other security agencies.

I don't think you should stress out about the exact location of it. You should just call in to DOS every couple of weeks to check on it, and/or email the embassy for updates. They won't give you much information. You can also ask your Senator or Congressman to inquire about it, but from my personal experience, where I've had both inquire, it doesn't speed the process up at all, but puts down on the file that a Congressperson is interested in the case.

That's all the advice I can give for now! Hold on there! Inshallah it won't be too long! My fiance has been in AP for 6 months and counting. We are hoping he will be here by end of year, but who knows.

Best of luck!

Best of luck to everyone and HANG IN THERE! This too shall pass!

I am a newbie to AP, so I am hoping for an educated answer from all the veterans out there. I was under the impression that AP takes place at DOS or other agencies in DC. We received notice that our case is in AP as of 11/14, but I called DOS today and they said that our case is still at the Embassy in Amman.

Are all cases required to go to DOS? Can AP be done just at the embassy? Which parts of the AP process take place in each location and is it a "good" or "bad" sign that our case is still just sitting at the embassy after 3 weeks?

Any further information would be appreciated!! Thanks for your time and inshallah your patience will be rewarded!

[illnevergetthis 5]

Best of luck to everyone and HANG IN THERE! This too shall pass!

I am a newbie to AP, so I am hoping for an educated answer from all the veterans out there. I was under the impression that AP takes place at DOS or other agencies in DC. We received notice that our case is in AP as of 11/14, but I called DOS today and they said that our case is still at the Embassy in Amman.

Are all cases required to go to DOS? Can AP be done just at the embassy? Which parts of the AP process take place in each location and is it a "good" or "bad" sign that our case is still just sitting at the embassy after 3 weeks?

Any further information would be appreciated!! Thanks for your time and inshallah your patience will be rewarded!

AP isn't only done at the Washington DC level, but at the embassies as well. Usually when your AP is at the embassy, they are checking into your case. They are most likely trying to verify something. I hope your AP is as short as possible. Every now and then the embassy in Jordan doesn't respond to an email. If this happens, they tell you to email them the same email again two weeks later. Make sure that you state in the email that you emailed them two weeks ago and haven't gotten a response or you may not get a response a second time. I probably wouldn't email them more than every other week.

Best of luck to you!!

[Wendy<3Ahmed 12]

Thats the norm here waiting waiting waiting and them some more waiting. Just tiring to keep busy. Even making up some home projects to keep busy. So far painted all the rooms downstair, fixed my garbage disposal(got broken glass in it) and spray frosted the frech doors in the den. Started to baking on weekends (the coworkers are sure loving it). Sweets are something I cant keep around at home, with this anxiety Im afraid I would probably eat alot of it.

AP: so far 2mnths n 4dys

Edited December 8, 2011 by Wendy<3Ahmed

[mrsalfayad 6]

Thanks for the details about AP! Its really helpful and its nice to know that there are other people out there who are waiting waiting waiting!

You're sooo right about trying to stay busy!! I'm working three jobs right now just to keep my mind off everything. A having a day off means that I can spend too much time thinking and (more often than not) crying. Plus its good to be saving up money since Employment Authorization can take up to 6 months....

Its funny/sad to see the Amman Visa Status Check page move up one spot every day on my Google Chrome home page. Ugh.

The embassy finally responded and said my client's (what?! I'm not a lawyer! I'm a lonely fiance!!!) information had been sent to DC for processing and there's nothing they can do other than that. Then they added some blah blah junk about how they are dedicated to trying to reunite families. I don't get how for some people AP takes a few weeks and for others it takes months upon months. EAbbas, I don't know how you do it!! Lama&Hasan you guys have been holding out for along time too! Same for the rest -- I just point those two couples out because they've been waiting such a long time.

I wouldn't mind waiting so much if they at least gave us a timeframe. Even if they said "AP will be done in 8 months" I'd say OKAY! Now I know that I have to kill time for 8 months! That would be better than reading stories about people who get their visas on the same day as the interview, or who get out of AP in 2 weeks, then you get your hopes you and think that you'll be next! Its all a mental game!

I wish the best to all of you! Inshallah your patience will pay off soon and everyone will be able to move on to the most amazing parts of their lives -- finally being WITH their soul mate!

[EAbbas 213]

Thanks for the details about AP! Its really helpful and its nice to know that there are other people out there who are waiting waiting waiting!

You're sooo right about trying to stay busy!! I'm working three jobs right now just to keep my mind off everything. A having a day off means that I can spend too much time thinking and (more often than not) crying. Plus its good to be saving up money since Employment Authorization can take up to 6 months....

Its funny/sad to see the Amman Visa Status Check page move up one spot every day on my Google Chrome home page. Ugh.

The embassy finally responded and said my client's (what?! I'm not a lawyer! I'm a lonely fiance!!!) information had been sent to DC for processing and there's nothing they can do other than that. Then they added some blah blah junk about how they are dedicated to trying to reunite families. I don't get how for some people AP takes a few weeks and for others it takes months upon months. EAbbas, I don't know how you do it!! Lama&Hasan you guys have been holding out for along time too! Same for the rest -- I just point those two couples out because they've been waiting such a long time.

I wouldn't mind waiting so much if they at least gave us a timeframe. Even if they said "AP will be done in 8 months" I'd say OKAY! Now I know that I have to kill time for 8 months! That would be better than reading stories about people who get their visas on the same day as the interview, or who get out of AP in 2 weeks, then you get your hopes you and think that you'll be next! Its all a mental game!

I wish the best to all of you! Inshallah your patience will pay off soon and everyone will be able to move on to the most amazing parts of their lives -- finally being WITH their soul mate!

Thanks... its definitely a difficult road... but yeah your case actually stays at the embassy but the info goes into background checks etc... the ONLY reason we know we were going into name checks is because the CO called me about 5 weeks after review a requested document and did a phone interview with me it was at that time he told us he couldn't technically say we were approved but he did tell us our case was fine with nothing to worry about and now that he was satifisfied with our case he could do the last thing which was name checks. Some DOS agents can and may tell you more and most do not.. its just luck as to who you talk to. The last two weeks we've called they have used the words review instead of pending ap so while we are hopeful this is nearing the end we can't be sure until we finally get the visa.

Wish you luck and much patience in this process...