LRA

No visa necessary. But is he travelling by land or by air? He'll need his passport in conjunction with his passport if by plane. If by land, then I would suggest he still take his passport along although the green card will do.

They want the marriage CONTRACT. The one that has witnesses and dowry information.

Was it a Muslim ceremony? If so...then during the ceremony at the house you should have signed some doucments. They were in triplicate. Those state the dowry and are signed by witnesses. They need that one. In Arabic atleast and if also available translated. The need the original one. A few days after the ceremony at the house, you husband should have gone to the local Sharia Court or if by wasta judge's house to pick up two of the three originals you signed. One of those was for you and one for your husband. Those are the ones they need. The judge is from the Sharia Court.

The one for the interior ministry was not accepted by NVC for us. They wanted the one I described above. If you send the computer/printed one you will 99.9% get an RFE from the NVC.

oops...just saw you get RFE for the interior ministry one. Sorry. But its' the hand written one they are looking for.

he has to spend more time in the US then abroad or he will lose his greencard. This means more then 6 months in the US.

Personally, I would let the job go He can start to build retirement here. The added bonus is that he will be with his wife.

What visa does the husband hold currently?

This is not 100% correct. You cannot leave the US for >6 months per year (once you come back the 6 month duration is reset) or >1 without Reentry Permit or he loses his PR: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.eb1d4c2a3e5b9ac89243c6a7543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=3f443a4107083210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=3f443a4107083210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD

That said, PR is to reside in the US...but some people in situations such as this guy, can work with the PR and come back to the US and leave again in order to maintain their status.

He will also need to look at the physical presence test if he would like to apply for US Citizenship in the future

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.eb1d4c2a3e5b9ac89243c6a7543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=a0ffa3ac86aa3210VgnVCM100000b92ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=a0ffa3ac86aa3210VgnVCM100000b92ca60aRCRD for example, if he spent considerable time (Must be physically present in the United States for at least 18 months out of the 3 years immediately preceding the date of filing the application for Naturalization based on Marriage to USC) outside the US after obtaining his PR, then while the 3 year rule for Citizenship based on being married to a US Citizen, the physical presence has not been met.

My first advice.....find a wasta. What is his status in Jordan.

Second: "countries that complicate the life of it is own people..." Are you both Jordanian?

I think it is a plus she is brining her "guardian" with her to visit you. You would be wise to get pictures of both her and her family member with you and your family members. Additionally, I would capture copies of their entry/exit stamps in their passports as well as boarding passes....for the both of them to submit as evidence.

Does Egypt grant visas at the airport or are the required for US citizens for entry? In Jordan as a non-Jordanian passport holder you can pay 10JD at the airport for the visa. Jordanians pass through to the border/passport control for a stamp. I determine which passport I will enter on from a pure $ standpoint. Jordanians used to have to pay a 25JD exit fee when they left and I think non-Jordanians was 10JD, but then the non-Jordanians was reduced to 0. So I started going on my US passport. Also depending on how many people are in line for visas at the airport (there is only 1 border patrol officer that issues them and if there are tour groups/lots of non-Jordanians) there could be a long wait. There are rules in Jordan that you must register with the local police (again paying more $) if you are a non-Jordanian. I don't think he will face much trouble either way, and he should look at from a time and $ standpoint to determine which is best. They will know he's Egyptian, one way or another. ;-)

You may have gotten lucky they didn't ask. I have heard of several others where they asked this and they also asked many more personal questions. Something to be very aware of.

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.

Interesting. So if it is filed with the courts, but has not gone in front of the adoul, do they have an actual marriage certificate to submit with the I-130?

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.

My questions are.

1- Do you see anyway that I will have an issue at the interview level that the wedding party did not yet happen, I only had the legal court document that shows us as legally married and we held and engagement party at which we took plenty of photos?

2- Do you recommend that I attend my wife's CR1 interview? do you think that would make a difference for my interview? is there any advantage to the petitioner to be there vs, not being there?

Answers:

1. They are very well aware of the cultural norms of the country...as a matter of fact many MENA countries have this custom. You are legally married.....even though they call it engaged in social circles in your and many MENA countries...you are legally married. As you are legally married, the United States recognizes this marriage....BUT you can only be married to one person under US law, while in some Arabic countries you can married to more than one legally..the US will not recognize these types and if I am not mistaken will consider only the first your legal wife. You should refer to your SO as you wife to any US government official....only in your country do the social norms obligate you to refer to her as your "fiancee".

2. If you can afford to be there then I would go. I would check with the consulate to determine if you can accually escourt her into the consulate. I think you being there to clarify any issues the pop up is paramount. Especially if you are well versed in the immigration laws and your petition and can elaborate on any questions/issues. I think the CO seeing you in person/or knowing you are in-country with your wife is a huge plus.

That is great news! Enjoy your life together!

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In 24 hours I will be leaving for the airport to pick him up *dancin & spinning around and singing* We just talked on the phone and he was going to sleep a few hours before going to Amman for his flight.

It is a surreal feeling that he will be here tomorrow!

jJ

Wishing him a safe and pleasant flight....and you both a very joyous reunion. We don't want to see you here or on FB for at least a week!

Take it day by day. I am sure he'll like it here. I mean who doesn't!!?!? Let him know that you will do everything you can for him and are there for him. And his daughter is here.....that alone is enough!

If he wants to have someone here he can talk to....he can contact me...or I am sure any of the other ladies you are friends with on MENA would offer up their SO.

I don't want to sound harsh...but at 17 and him knowing about your relationship since day 1...I think "shutting down" when the subject is brought up is a little selfish and immature. Within 90 days you and your SO will be married, is he aware of that. The sooner that he accepts the relationship the easier it will be for everyone. What would you do if your son said to you "it's me or him"? I am surprised that he hasn't reached out to your SO. Has your SO reached out to you son? I think now is the time to draw the two together. You know them both and maybe you can find something they both like to do...maybe online games? Maybe they will find some common ground to build a lasting relationship. Maybe just one of respect and acceptance. It appears you have a close relationship with your son, that many would envy. But that will change once SO is here. You and your SO will be busy...you'll want to spend time together....getting ready to meet the 90 day obligation...more paperwork...adjustment. Seeing one another for a majority of the day. What will your kids do when you're with your SO? Will you leave him alone to spend time with your kids? What if your son doesn't accept him?

My intent is not to be mean spirited or be critical, but I wanted to put questions out there that you should find answers to. Ultimately you will have to let your son know that this man will be a huge part of your life, both of them will need one another whether they like it or not, you need them to respect and be friendly with one another. I wouldn't let another day pass without them talking and getting to know one another. Sometimes a hello is all it takes to kick off some serious male bonding! :-)

I think someone else mentioned keeping your eye on the long term goals you and your husband have. That should guide you toward the right decision. I have spent 1 month there each year for the the past 11 years. Me, long term I will want to live there...but again my parents are building a house there and 99% of my family still lives there as does 100% of my wife's. So I am preparing for that eventual move now...15+ years from now we are planning that move...but things change and maybe it's not in our future. My parents came to the US to live here 3-4 years and head back, but their moving back hasn't happend yet. Personally, I wouldn't give up everything I have accomplished here to move there and wait...but everyone's situation is different. I have 10+ years at my job, which I wouldn't give up for the world. I can't read and write Arabic. I can speak semi-fluently. I have lived here for 32+ years...my immediate family lives in the US. The job situation there is bleak....with the official unemployment at 15%, while unofficially it's at 30%. Median income is another factor and as you know it is very low there. No way I could live there as comfortably as I do here there without being a relative of the royal family or owning land in Abdoun.

When he arrives here it will be a period of adjustment....don't underestimate that. $ you will most likely need to support him for some time when he arrives. That could prove difficult, not just on having the money but for him coming from a culture where the male is regarded as the main (only?) provider. I caution and say "could".

The waiting is he!!...whether 1 day, 1 month or 1 year. But trust me, this apart time will not be something you'll remember when he's here and your're enjoying life together. I read that you are on some sort of disability...not sure the extent of that...but Jordan is not well suited to accommodate those with additional needs....so that could be another factor to consider.

Another thing to keep in mind, a visit is just that a visit...a vacation. Everything is nice and you are doing fun things and going out and visiting this and that place, friends are visiting, large gatherings and dinner invitations left and right...but living there is totally different. That could be said for any country. I would caution you to think in that regard...if your husband works there, he will probably be working quite a bit....and you'll be with his family for the rest of the day...probably at home.

Next, living as you would here is quite expensive in Amman. A trip to the grocery store....you will probably want to buy things you are accustomed to here, it is going to be expensive.

Lastly, no sour cream there! ;-) And no diet Mt Dew. And no Wendy's...three things I CRAVE when I am there.

Extremely happy for ya JJ!! It's been a long time coming. I have to break it out Charles ......that mafia wars has pushed me towards the dark side...so time to get back to the good side and say to JJ.....ISA the week ahead will pass quickly and he'll been in your arms in no time!

Hi Ryan,

We all miss your wonderful sister as well.

I still have her messages she sent to me from time to time while life for me was rough and it was uncertain what path I was taking next. You already know, but I want you to know that others knew....her heart was made of gold. Her messages even though a few words, radiated her bright outlook on life and showed how much she cared about others. Her thoughtfulness I will never forget.

Below is a snapshot of her signature...the line beginning Nov. 27 made me sad as I realized she didn't get to go and then as I read towards the end of the sentence I began to laugh. I wish she would have gotten her Jordanian Passport and got a chance to visit Cuba....JUST BECAUSE SHE COULD!

Hatem & Dawn

Dec 09, 2004 I130 sent to USCIS

Mar 02, 2006 Arrives in US

15 months start to finish for cr-1 from Amman with no RFEs, ARs or other bonus hang-ups

complete timeline in profile

Nov 27, 2007 Three year Annivrsary. Two more and I can apply for a Jordanian Passport, and then we're going to Cuba (Just because I can). can't wait...

i'm in leavenworth actually.

They probably keep it at a comfortable 72 degrees for ya and ensure you get three square meals a day!

Will your fiance be with you? What is the background of both of you? Did you do ketib-ketab?

Wishing everyone and their families a Happy New Year. All the best in 2010!

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Hi Nagi :-) And all of my other GREAT mena friends.

I hear ya Charles! It was 38 yesterday I considered going out in flip flops and shorts! That doubled up on last weeks temps!

Great! Many years of happiness for you together.

IT is a difficult field these days with many jobs being outsourced overseas. Further it's jobs in general that are difficult to secure. Many who are US educated and/or have 10+ years experience can't find jobs. I would encourage you and him to secure a job that provides educational assistance. I got 1/2 my master's degree paid for by my company, ~$75,000 and I only had to stay with them 2 years or else would have been on the hook to pay it back. Some retail jobs offer this as a benefit.