100% Al Ahly Fan

Congrats to all approved Jan. filers

Thankfully no RFE for us (so far), soooooo hoping to hear something soon!

Hope to hear more approvals in the upcoming days

Woo hoo! Awesome, JOHNCALI9. A big congrats to you

Glad to see our month of January has begun processing!

We never received my husband's NOA1. So we, too, had to get the I-551 stamp in his passport which his new job took with no problem.

Hope that helps.

I miss the daily threads. The monthly threads always seem to get lost in the shuffle. The daily threads seemed to get people talking more about what was going on in their lives. Why did we start with the monthly threads? Was it because the MENA forum became so dead?

Exactly the reason. It's not like it used to be at all.

There is still a lot of lurkers but as well all know they don't participate.

We never received our NOA1, although we did get the bio letter in the mail.

We had a "touch" on April 12 and I thought it was a RFE, but phone officer at USCIS told my husband that they didn't see we had a RFE. She told him that if there was a RFE that we'd get a notice in the mail to which my husband tried to explain that we never got the NOA1 and he was concerned that if we got a RFE we didn't get that either in the mail. Again, the Operator/Officer said they didn't see one. So now I am wondering, does a teir 2 officer have more information on our case then a regular USCIS phone officer/operator?

Just don't want to wait and find out later we had a RFE that was never addressed. Isn't there a time limit to respond on RFEs?

Guess we better call again, this time with me on the line, and ask for a Teir 2 officer since I'll drive myself crazy otherwise.

So my husband called the USCIS, and asked if an RFE was sent. He didn't ask to speak to a Tier 2 Officer though, does that matter? Anyhow, whoever he spoke to said there was no RFE that was sent. He explained that we never got the NOA1 and that he had to get his passport stamped with the extention and he was concerned that we never got the RFE, if one was issued. The person he spoke with said no RFE was issued, but again would they know that or would he have to speak to a Tier 2 Officer to find out for sure?

Has anyone else had "touches" to their ROC case after the biometrics? I know it won't be until next month or the following that they even look start issuing most of the GC for January Filers but I guess I am starting to get antsy.

It is possible that your case was transferred to the local office for "faster processing." If you are worried that you may have missed an RFE or other communication, you can always call USCIS and ask for a tier 2 officer. They can check in the computer for you. However, if your case showed a touch but did not say anything in the comments section about sending you an RFE, I think you are safe. Usually people who never receive their RFEs (and didn't know one had been sent) are those whose online status stayed in initial review. I think you will be okay, but calling them might give you some more peace of mind. Good luck!

Thanks, Menina

The touch just said the date of 4/12/12 but nothing in the comment section of that day about an RFE although the main Case Status page's (when you don't log in) date hasn't changed since they received the packet back in January. Either way, I think we will call tonight.

Any shortcut's to get through to the Tier 2 Officer? I need to have my hubby there to chat with then, yes?

Hey Everyone...

Quick question or rather wondering everyones thoughts/opinions.

I haven't really thought much about this whole process since I assumed I wouldn't need to start contacting USCIS after the 6 month mark after filing.

Well yesterday, I read something that made me say "hmmmmm." I read somewhere here on VJ that an RFE was send but never received and so of course delayed the processing time of the GC.

Well noq, I am panicking a bit. We never received our NOA1. Hubby got passport stamped. Our case was filed on January 19 and "touched" April 12. So now...I am wondering, could that be an RFE and we just didn't receive that either? Why do a random touch and then not touch it again since then?

We haven't moved or anything. We did get the biometrics at our fastpass appt and it also came in the mail.

Am I worrying myself for nothing? Thanks everyone.

Okay okay...I suppose if I was in the shower and I heard some horrid shriek outside and it turns out (God forbid) one of my kids or someone elses kids being hurt, then I may run outside in towel (or less) to make sure they were okay but like you said, Julianna, only under special circumstance.

Wow...I read futher. Topless too? My oh my. No wonder this world is messed up!

My husband found out the hard way: he got Jehovah Witnessed while I was at work.

He was simply wearing a towel around his waist when he opened the door. Being an athletic 6'6", the ladies were more than............. excited. Nevertheless, they turned away being they were provoked by "evil forces" to look at him with eyes of desire.

For real? Who answers the door in a towel? I'm sure he never answered the door naked in Egypt. So the question is, why here in the U.S then? After this event, I hope you educated your husband that, sure, you have the freedom to do that in the U.S. but you just don't anwser the door nakkid!!!! Simply not good etiquette regardless or nationality, religion, age or sex.

i just don't answer my door when i'm alone at home, unless i know who it is. after about a minute, anyone i don't want to answer the door for just goes away. whether they want to sell me a security system, landscaping services or salvation. i had no idea things could be so...complicated.

out of all the people i know who don't share my religious beliefs, or don't have any religious beliefs at all, i don't think i know any that would answer their front doors topless, or in towels. there are clearly other factors involved.

Agreed, I don't answer my door either unless I'm expecting you or if I know you. I don't care if they see me peeking out the window to see who they are. I should start waving and staring at them until they leave LOL Really though, I was thinking about a 'no solicitor' sign. Anyone try that?

As for answering the door in a towel, I thought that only happened on tv or in the movies.

Actually, Mormon missionaries follow a strict schedule. They wake up at 6:30 am, study for an hour and 1/2, have breakfast and do not leave the house until 8am at the earliest. They would not, under any circumstances, have knocked on your door at 6am. But I guess it makes for a better story though if those pesky Mormons wake you up before dawn...

I do think that many religions struggle with how to approach teaching about sexuality. And as I'm sure you understand, some religions, including Islam (and those pesky Mormons), consider sex something that should be enjoyed only inside a marriage. And the real blame lies with the individual. If men and women who were abstinate prior to marriage choose not to educate themselves about sex once inside their marriage - that is not the fault of the religion...its the fault of the individual. The truly "open minded" or "progressive" people are confident enough in their own beliefs that they don't have to mock or feel frustrated with the views of others. True "progressives" accept the views and choices of all people...including those "archaic" religious views that teach abstinence before marriage...pesky as it may seem.

Amen, sista!! Well said.

Happy Hump Day MENA! Can you believe half of May is already done and over with?

Did everyone have a good Mother's Day? My 11 year old got me a snuggle. You know one of those blankets with sleeves. I think there was an ulterior motive there since he's always wanted one and has been using it in our family room since Sunday

So glad it's spring and looking forward to summer. I can't wait to get some vacation time away from work. I get the same way the kids do at this time of year...just antsy! Ready for summer! Thankfully, we do have a couple of trips planned. A little working vacations, though. We'll be headed to Washington, DC to renew the Saudi passport and Chicago, Illinois for my brother's wedding. Was hoping for a trip to visit my FIL in San Fran, but just not enough time away from work.

Anyhow, have a great rest of the week, folks

My son is a future Moroccan footballer according to his father.

I'm sure this is a MENA thing. According my husband our boy will be the future of the Egyptian's Al Ahly soccer team.

I'll be happy if he just learns to kick the ball without it hitting someone in the face :-P

I don't really understand why you put this in the "MENA" section only... I think it's a good topic for discussion so I hope you don't mind me offering my opinion.

At Uni I was the Womyn's Director for a term. We had a special "women only" room that was organised long before I came into office and I recall a LOT of people being really upset by there being a "women only" room and no "men only" room. So my opinion is based largely on that --

I don't think there should be a women only prom, unless there is also a men only prom. But the whole point of prom is EVERYONE in the class right? (never been to one myself) so don't you think it's pushing the separation? I'm not saying that these girls aren't permitted a party for themselves, it just seems selfish. Soon there will be "homosexuals only" prom. "christian only" proms and so on and so forth.

I'm sorry but these girl need to realise they are not the only people in society and that they CAN choose who they want to be around by choosing to attend functions or not. There has to be a line drawn somewhere and separating like this just makes it more likely that the divide is going to get bigger.

All that said though - I wouldn't even consider that a prom. It's a party for girls only and they had fun and ultimately that's what matters and the school allowed it. The biggest issue with the article is making it all about being muslim when really any girl that's every been out dancing knows that no matter how pure your intentions there is always gunna be some creep "accidentally" bumping into you on a crowded dance floor and at that age with hormones raging who knows what else... yeah... boys suck except tony. He's alright

I would guess that the girls probably organized this themselves with the help of whatever staff. I'm guessing the boys would have been able to have a "boys only" event if they had put the effort in it. Unfortunately, with the American stigma (even with more modest folks who live here in the US), I'm guessing it wouldn't be as fun for them.

If this was held in a Middle Eastern country (for both Christian and Muslims, alike) they definitely may have had a boys only event.

Finally got a text ( no email) that card was ordered. 2+ months after interview I can finally breathe!

Wonderful! So happy for you

So I was chatting with my sister in law this weekend and she recommended a movie. She told me about, ASMAA, which is a movie about a women who has HIV and struggles with the social stigma of that disease in Egypt (which I'm assuming is the same view through out the MENA region).

Another couple movies I'm interested in is 18 Days and a documentary (I believe it is anyways), is Tahrir 2011: The Good, The Bad & The Politician, which I don't know if either are out yet. Both are about the Egyptian Revolution.

In the KSA government's eyes, if one did not ask permission to marry, then you are not married in their country. So, if we have children, they would not have the right to inheritances, could not benefit as a citizen or even a nationalist of the country. So, to cut down on foreign marriages to Saudi citizens they adopted the law that they must seek permission from the government (IE: the king)to have your marriage legalized within the country. If not, and you do marry without seeking permission you will have to pay a fine, up to $25,000.00 USD (that is the last amount I have heard).

You are right about the Saudi Law requiring "approval" of a marriage to a foreigner. And yes, there will be a fee that your husband has to pay for not doing this. This may be a bit easier since you are Muslim.

My father didn't have to ask for any permission to marry my Christian Egyptian American mother back in the 70's. When we went to live in the Kingdom (back in the 80's), we had to live in Greece for, not quite, two years and wait out for the Visa. I think this was partially because her Egyptian passport had expired and she only had the United States one at that time.

If your husband (or his family) help him pay this fee you should be able to obtain a family visa for you to visit the country.

As for his family, every family is different -- MENA or not. If you are a good person, then I would assume they wouldn't have an issue with you. Just really depends on the family -- some may like you,,,some may not.

Figured it out after I asked. Gotta sign in. Duh!

I see we had a touch on April 12. Still waiting, sigh...

Probably a stupid question but.....

How do you know your case was "touched?"

Where do you find the date change?

Anyone see the film 678?

It's an Egyptian film about three women and their search for justice from the daily plight of sexual harassment in Egypt

I haven't seen the film yet but know that women get harrassed there regularly. From subtle advances -- a hoot or a whistle -- to straight out molestation - grabbing, proding or worse.

There is even a website dedicated to women to report instances of harrassment @ http://harassmap.org/?l=en_US

You can be a teensy bit taller first thing in the morning than you are at the end of the day. I don't think you're nearly old enough to be totally shrinking, lol.

Really in the morning, taller? I guess I can see that. I know I'm not shriking...yet, I was just jesting.

Actually, I'm sure I was probably never really 5'6 closer to 5'5 and halfish. Guess I always rounded that up to 5'6 and started believing it.

Last physical, slapped that reality in my face. Short then I thought. Sigh....

Oh how I love you, Nutella!

Oreos and now nutella recipes...you guys are going to make me fat!

Menina what great news!

Congrats! Makes that infopass appointment all worth the while.

Did they say when you can expect the visa-in-hand? I mean did they if it was "in production" or if it was already sent? Just curious the turn around once you get the "approval."

Again, a big congrats. Finally, no worries for 10 years unless you chose citizenship. Any thoughts on that?

I'm 5'5 but I'm sure I've already started to shrink (don't we do that as we get older?) since I used to be 5'6. Oh well. Hubby is 5'9.5 and that half inch means the world to him. He seems short to me even though he's taller then me. When I wear heels we're the same hight.

Thanks WOM for finding the trailers to these movies. I can't wait to watch the others.

Where do you gals find these movies? Online? Netflix? Purchase them?

The movie Incendies and Paradise Now, I believe I watched through Netflix.

Just a FYI, if your interested in watching Incendies, though, be prepared for tragedy, shock and heartache. I almost wished I had knew about it to be prepared for what it ended up being about. Honestly, it's a very sad movie, but one of the best films I saw last year.

I think part of the reason I love Egyptian movies so much is because some of them are so light. I swear I walk away in tears from laughing so hard. Some Arabic movies (or Middle Eastern movies in general -- Afghani, Israeli or Iranian) are so serious (usually very good though) and depressing.