New Beginnings

I am sorry but I take exception to your post, it may not be a social norm in Morroccan society but, Morocco isn't making the determination on if he recieves a GC or not, US law determinens this and in my opinion if he was denied simply because of a social norm in the country he comes from then he was discriminated against and that is against the law in the US

That's the idea yes, but that's not the practice. The CO's do look at social norms when interviewing people, hence the red flag when there is an age gap.

Good Morning MENA!

So I had to look at the calander on my computer about 80 times to see if it really was Wednesday.... I hope the rest of the week goes quickly!

On the DS-230 she can check a box that says she wants a social security number. She should get that about 2 weeks after entering the US. If she doesn't receive it, you'll need to go to your local SSA office to obtain one

first step would be to try to keep the petition at the consulate. Have your friend contact her local congressman and see if they can contact the embassy.

There's a pinned thread at the top of the forum that you should have your friend read. There's a lot of good information.

Good morning everyone! I hope the day goes by quickly!

Start reading this information: http://www.visajourney.com/wiki/index.php/...he_NVC_ShortCut

It will guide you through this next step. You will need to complete the paperwork the NVC just sent you and then you will receive another set of paperwork to complete.

Congrats! We wish him a safe journey here!

I noticed VJ changed last night. The options on the left of our posts with our information is organized differently and we can select things under these options which takes us to an area with many others with the same options selected. Was it always like that?

Happy February

LOL I didn't realize it until you said it but yes it did change! I am definitely not observant this morning!

Good morning everyone!

I hope everyone has a great week!

You're absolutely right. I was so happy to be done with Casa when my husband picked up the visa that I almost ran around screaming.

We got a call about 2 months after my husband arrived to the US from his brother (who now uses his old cellphone) saying that the consulate called and asked for my husband and said he could come pick up the visa. so his brother told him, he already has a visa and is in the USA. I called the consulate the next day and they said that they made a mistake in calling him.... well no kidding!

Sorry to hear about the trouble they've been! I think once they get the forms he will get the visa... I know it's a hassle but in the future you'll laugh about it.

Casa doesn't allow you to go in with the person being interviewed. I've heard a few times where they will ask the person to go get the USC outside, but it's rare

Good morning everyone! Congrats again to everyone picking up their visas today!

We're still waiting on a W2 to send in the taxes.... that's not annoying at all.

I don't think it's because of your medical exam but you'll need to wait for their report to know what it was for. It sounds like something in your case, whether answers you gave or not enough support did not allow them to issue the visa.

I would have your SO contact their congressman to see if they can keep the petition in Casablanca

More great news out of Casa!! Congrats and we wish you a happy life together at last!

This is wonderful news for you!!! I am so happy he did well in the interview, it sounds like he was very prepared for it!

Can you believe it's almost over??

That is great news!! Congrats and I hope he has a safe journey here!

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Salim. Stay positive and everything will work out!

Good Morning Mena!

We've been hearing some great news this week. I hope it continues for all of you waiting!

Wonderful news!!! Can you believe all the worrying is over????

We booked ours on Royal Air Maroc because they have a non stop from Casa to JFK. We then booked a separate ticket from JFK to HHH. If you were fine spending the night in NYC you could book SUPER cheap from LGA to HHH.

Hire a lawyer if you feel you need to, if your case is complicated you may want to get an opinion.

First things first though, read the guides, take up your kitchen table or livingroom wall with a process map of what this process will be like and when you need to fill out each form. It feels overwhelming in the beginning but once you understand it and lay it out, it's usually ok. People here can help fill in the gaps and can offer some great advice.

Consider your own case and the facts first!

I would venture out and say that consulates understand the cultures and respect the social norms of these countries. Maybe I am old school, maybe we got the benefit of the doubt b/c 99% of both our family still lives in the same town and there is no way in he!! I would have stood mum (and not in a good way) if any such questions were raised.

Yes you would hope that they would, but unfortunately they don't. One of the qualifiers is that they be legally married (which they are) and have consummated the marriage. This also plays out when people get married by proxy, when they're not even in the same country when they get married. Some states allow this.. I think TX is one of them. But they are not able to file the petition until the marriage is consummated.

If I remember correctly from the petitions the only ones that speak anything of cultural norms is the I 129 or I 129f if you're filing for K3. But the question which asks this is skipped by married people.

As an aside, there is no separation of "mosque" and state in most (all?) islamic countries. The Sharia court presides over Islamic marriages...which involve legally binding marriage countracts. The judge is a religous elder who is versed in Sharia law (islamic law). Once this contract is signed by both parties, a male relative of the female who is supposed to act in her best interests, and witnesses, the couple is married. They can then spend time alone together and go out in public together. That is the social part so that neighbors won't whisper about the girl and her family. The consummation part in these contracts help to dictate the dowry part and what the spouse receives in cases of divorce. I think the female receives less then what is stipulated in teh contract if there is no consummation.There are other items as well...if the marriage was consummated then the female cannot marry for I believe 3 visits from "aunt flo". This is used to help ensure that the previous husband is no the father of child in the new pregnancy. Additionally, many deals are done behind the scenes at divorce time (pre-consummation and post-consummation)....the dealings include what is returned, if any, of the dowry what amount is given when the divorce is granted. I think also who initiates the divorce is a factor. Up until a few years ago, I don't think women could initiate a divorce. Again these could be Jordanian cultural norms or laws particular to Jordan. These are based on what I have witnessed and experienced.

In Morocco that is not true. Woman can initiate the divorce but they would need to wait 3 menstrual cycles before re-marrying.

Good morning, everyone!

Thank god Monday is over!