Danni and Hamza

HAHA, I see. I guess it can be confusing. Short for Danielle. Anyway Thank you

-Danni

Thanks for the info. I went to check it out, and registered... so I can see what its all about.

Danni

Hey Emily,

I am sorry to hear things have taken a turn. We have talked a lil back and forth on PM, and you are always such a sweet girl. This is such a good quality, and I am sure you have the sweetest smile to go with that sweet personality.Please don't let him take this away from you. Can you imagine never laughing with male colleagues, or never smiling at a male when you greet them? I know I always smile, without even thinking about it, when I greet anyone. I am assuming that you can read lips, or at least use this as a tool to supplement signing, and other communication techniques you use. I imagine this would be extremely hard for you to no longer look at others while communicating. I am not deaf, and it would be extremely hard for me. There are alot of things that we have to make compromise about in relationships, but this should not be one of them.He needs to be understanding, and supportive of this. Sometimes people think they can take advantage of others who are so nice, but this isn't true! Cause you may be very sweet, but you can take a stand for yourself! I know myself, I have a hard time letting go of relationships. I always see the good in people before the bad, and I am always hoping for the best from them. I am sure that is what you have been hoping for too! From what you have explained above, about his attitude change, and need to control you.... I can't see him changing. I am so sorry. If he is controlling now from 6000 miles away, imagine how it will be when he is in arms reach of you. Whatever you decide, it is your choice, and I hope that your choice will only bring good things for you!

If you decide to not let him go thru with the interview, then call the embassy as soon as possible, and let them know you have had a change of heart. Then contact him, and let him know the interview has been cancelled, or don't. This is what I would do, in your situation. However, this is your choice.

If you decide to still go ahead with the interview, and have him come to the USA... you should consider having a very serious conversation with him, and let him know that his demands are unacceptable, and also consider not getting married right away when he gets here. See how he interacts with you here, how he interacts with family and friends, and how he responds when you go out on your own. Make sure he is who you deserve to marry, and not someone who will try to control you. If you don't marry in the three months, then he will have failed to meet the requirements of the K1, and will either have to leave on his own accord... or become an out of status person, and face deportation. I wish you the best in whatever you decide. Good Luck

-Danni

Hello again,

My Husband and I dont have children together yet. I do have a daughter, who he helps to father though. As of now we don't have many problems with religion, he does his thing, and I do mine, and my daughter follows my religion...and we do all holidays together. We have talked about how we are going to raise our future children when we have them. We talked aboutthis before we got married, and after, and still now. We know that we are going to try to teach our children both religions, and once they are older let them choose for themselves. I know that this will be our greatest challenge in our relationship, and with our future children... but it is something we will have to work thru, and make comprimises about. Hopefully we can teach them to see the good in both religions, and teach them to be open to learning, and choosing for themselves. I think thats the best we can do, and i think thats all we can do when it comes to our children.... do the best we can, and pray they will make they right choices for themselves. Sometimes I wonder if I had been given an option in religion, or was educated on all religions if I would have choosen something different for myself. Since I was only taught one religion my whole life, it is ingrained in me now and has always made perfect sense...but if I had knowlege, and the option of another choice... would I have chosen the same? Anyway, Im not sure if having two religions will be a gift, or not. Time will tell, but I am sure we will have some bumps in the road. Both religions have so much good in them, so at least we are sure we can teach them good morals, and values.

-Danni

Hello,

I think that many of us who are married to a muslim, but not muslim ourselves have not had problems about this in geting our visa's. However they will most likley ask your fiance about this at the interview... I know they asked mine, they also did an interview with me over the phone and asked me about this as well (they asked me about alot more then this, too) Here are some of the things that we were asked regarding religion

-They asked what's my religion?

-What's Hamza religion?

-Will you ever convert ?

-Does he talk about converting ?

-Do I want kids?

-How many ?

-What will their religion be ?

-What do hamza parents think about this?

-What do my parents think about this ?

-Do you think hamza parents are very conservative?

They also asked explained how a person can have a religious ceremony, without being legally married.

-Then he asked if I experienced anything like this (no, i didn't)

B/C religion is such a big factor over in MENA countries (Im assuming your SO is from MENA) this plays a big role in relationships, and so the CO is trying to discover any inconsistencies with the cultural norm. Anyway, everything ended well Im sure it will for you too!

Good luck

Danni

Hello,

I just wanted to note that my husband (then fiance) was approved for his k1 visa on 11/30/2010. I forgot to add it here, so that it could be added to the spreadsheet. He had his interview 8/17/10. He is Male, and from Algeria. Is there a way for me to add this on my own ? I tried, but had no luck. Thanks! Good luck to everyone still waiting!

Danni and Hamza

Hello,

I just wanted to note that my husband (then fiance) was approved for his k1 visa on 11/30/2010. I forgot to add it here, so that it could be added to the spreadsheet. He had his interview 8/17/10. He is Male, and from Algeria. Is there a way for me to add this on my own ? I tried, but had no luck. Thanks! Good luck to everyone still waiting!

Danni and Hamza

Hello,

I wanted to edit my post, but I was too late. I just read your other post, and you mentioned there that you had tried the congressmen,senator, calling the embassy. Sorry it is taking so long for you. There are others who are waiting in AP too, and some for longer. Try going to the AP section, and posting there. You may find more people like you there, and feel comfort in knowing you are not alone.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/forum/113-waivers-i-601-and-i-212-and-administrative-processes-221g/

You might also want to try AP tracker to see how long others have waiting in AP just to give you an idea.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/145739-ap-tracker/

Here is a link to a spreadsheet that is keeping track of VJ members AP.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AqMkphMZPM0QcEdWWWxGTjdxbGg2V0xiaEdrczRwSUE&hl=en#gid=0

-Danni

Hello,

Im sure this has been suggested to you before, but have you contacted your congressmen, or senator. They can make an inquiry about your case status to see whats going on. They may not tell them much more then they have told you, but it couldn't hurt... and may put a lil pressure on them to have an extra set of eyes over their shoulder. When my case was in Administrative Review, my congressmen emailed the US embassy in Algeria every other week or so. The embassy always replied to them in a matter of days. I'm not sure if it helped or not, but it made me feel a lil better to know someone was trying to help us. Also I called the embassy every 2-3 weeks too, just to ask how the case was going, and I also called DOS. It at least made me feel better to talk to these ppl about our case, and also know that it hadn't gotten lost somewhere . Anyway I wish you good luck! I hope that you will hear good news soon!

-Danni

Hello,

I stumbled upon these links a while back when my Husband and I first discussed going to each others religious meetings. I thought they were both interesting. I don't think that there is anything saying the can or cannot go, and that its all just opinion. My husband agrees its o kay for him to go to my meetings, and I agree to go with him to his. He just says he cant participate in anything that would involve worshiping Jesus, but he bows his head when we say prayers, and is reverent, so not to disrespect us.

Hope this Helps

-Danni

My link

My link

Thank you, I will check it out!

-Danni

Hey everyone,

We are just wondering if there is anyone in the Pittsburgh area, that may know of any Ramadan activities, or Arabic food stores. My husband is really looking forward to cooking some traditional Ramadan food, and it would be nice to find some pre-made cookies too. Pittsburgh is the closest city to were we live by two hours. So we are not to familiar with the area, and don't get there often. Any advice, or suggestions would be great. I have gone to a couple of websites for the mosques in the Pittsburgh area, but they don't offer very much information.

Thanks

Danni

We're 50 miles from U. We live in Bedford~ How's U like small town?

I know where Bedford is I like small towns. I have lived here most of my life, and I'm more of a small town person, then a big city girl. How do you like Bedford ?

-Danni

We are 50 miles east of Pittsburgh. Small town, of Ligonier!

Hello

I'm LDS, and my husband is Muslim! We both let each other practice our own religions, no pressure to convert from either side! we both agree that everyone has to make their own choices, without pressure. We are newly married, and still working out all the kinks, of how we will teach our children. Right now we are planning on attending each others meetings, to show solidarity, support, and respect of each others religions, and choices. We have both agreed to learn more, and as much as we can about each others religions. To have a better understanding of each other. We will celebrate all holidays from both religions, together. Holidays are a time to be happy and celebrate. We both agree that we want to celebrate each others happiness together. So far we have only had the opportunity to share Easter together, and that went great! As you know LDS ppl are big on their family home evenings, and Hamza wants to bring more discussion of God into the home too. SOooooo something new we are going to try to do is an interfaith family home evening. There are many Koran search engines online, and LDS.org has a scripture search. So we are going to search in both search engines a common theme...Ex. Charity, and take the lessons from both, and share both thoughts, and ideas. The scriptures, and Koran have very similar teachings on basic principles. We have not put this into practice yet, but we are excited to try it.The only thing we really are having a bit of hard time working out, is how to teach any children we might have. We are still trying to work out the best way to share major gosple principles. Other things we are stuck on making a decision about are things like blessings, baptism, sacrament....or confession of faith, and paying tithe(or Alms). We know we will share both religions. Both religions have similar expectations for children as far as dating,family,social,dietary,modesty in dress. So that will be fairly easy. For the most part, we are going to teach our children what we know, raise them to be good ppl, and hope they make the best choices for themselves. Which I think is all anyone can really do.

The following are a couple websites,that entertain the idea of a connection btw LDS,and Muslim people. I really love the Youtube video! If you ever want to chat send me a personal message.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXs0gp3jWo8

http://www.nephiproject.com/Newsletter/NP%20Newsle%5B1%5D.%20Oct%20(Final).pdf

http://www.meridianmagazine.com/articles/081003white.html

http://articles.latimes.com/2008/apr/02/local/me-morlims2

http://mormonism.suite101.com/article.cfm/the_muslim_mormon_connection

http://www.mormonmuslim.com/

http://mormonwoman.org/2010/03/15/ask-a-mormon-woman-what-do-mormons-think-about-islam/

http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=bbaba1615ac0c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD

by the way, i love ur video its the best ever and he looks handsome

wish u guys be togther for eternity, u look cute couple and ur girl is so cuteee

thanks for passing by here

Thank you so much, and best of luck to you as well!

-Danni

You could have the US petitioner, contact their Congressman to make and inquiry about your case. Im not sure that it really helps. At least its a third party kind of watching over their shoulder, maybe puts a lil pressure on them. Anyway, it doesn't hurt.

Good luck

-Danni

Hey Moonlight,

No one really knows what the Consular or Embassy will think, or what the result of your interview will be. It could go anyway at all. Many ppl here will tell you that it seemed the Consular Officer already had their decision made, before you even had the interview. The really important thing is that you are honest, and that you provide the proof to back up your honesty. Letters from your family would be good. Just let things with your fiance, evolve naturally. If he is planning on converting, and does so before the interview... good. If he does not feel ready, or does not want to convert, before the interview... good too. Cause really, I think it doesn't matter. They will look at the information you have given them, and form it in their mind however they want to. For good or for bad. So i think its best just to let it happen naturally, and at least that way you will both feel comfortable with your choices, and comfortable giving honest answers at the interview. Just be prepared to be questioned about this, only because as other ppl have mentioned, its not the cultural/religious norm.

Hamza is a Muslim man, and I am a christian woman...so by cultural and religious standards its permissible for him to marry me. BUT they still questioned (really grilled him on this) him about this at the interview. They also called his father and questioned him about this, and they also called me and questioned me too... but we were all honest, and we eventually got his visa, after some AP time. If I had converted, just to make it easier to marry, or to look better for immigration, I would have been very uncomfortable answering the Embassy's questions, and I think it would have been obvious. SO as always let things happen naturally, and honestly. Good luck.

-Danni

Thanks for all the replies. So its sounds like he can get it after his EAD is approved. This is gooood news. We were just worried about him getting a job with out SS#, and also getting him on my bank account, and a few other things that we need to do to prove co-mingling of finances... and valid relationship. Soooo Im not worried anymore! Thanks again everyone!

-Danni

Hey everyone,

My now husband, came to the US on a K1 visa. After he had been in the US for about 2 weeks we went to apply for his Social Security Number. We were told his name was not in the system yet and to wait 4-6 weeks, and we would receive his social number in the mail. So we waited, and in the mean time got married, and had a honey moon, and started preparing for AOS. Then we got a letter in the mail from the social security office, saying He had been refused a social security number because, the issuance date was too close to the expiration of his I-94. So he can't have a social security number! How can this be? We went in two weeks after he arrived, just as its suggested to do. Anyway, is there a way now to get his SS# ? Will he be able to get one after his EAD is approved ? If not will he be able to work without his SS# ? Would we really have to wait until his AOS is approved to get his SS# ?

Thanks or any information

-Danni

I love your montage, you make a lovely couple

Thank you Lisamarie, and good luck to you with your CR1 I hope it goes by quickly for you!

I was nosey and checked out your wedding pics. So beautiful! You two make a lovely couple.

Thanks Mirtha, and your not nosey...I put them out there for people to see! Congrats to you and your husband!

Hello everyone. My husband has been here in the US almost 3 months. So far everything has been very blissful. He does not beat me, except in Bowling (he uses Bumpers). He is always respectful, kind, and patient. Although he can't work yet, Im sure that he will man up, and be responsible in that area of life as well. He does volunteer at the local YMCA regularly, and puts forth good effort there. I'm not sure what would happen if this marriage ended in regards to Dating/marrying another MENA. Im hoping I never have to deal with that situation.

-Danni

Hey, My husband and I were in AP/AR. We were in AP for a little over 3 months. It could be shorter or longer. I'm not sure there is a method to their madness. But I hope that your AP goes by quickly, and I wish you good luck! I attached a copy of my time line for you, and underlined the period we were in AP/AR.

-Danni

4/16/10- I129F Sent by Danni

4/20/10- I129F Received at VSC

4/22/10- NOA1 sent from VSC

4/26/10- NOA1 received by Danni

6/28/10- NOA2 Received by text and email at 11:32pm

6/29/10- NVC Received K1 package

7/02/10- NVC packaged K1 to send to embassy (but probably didn't ship till the 6th, due to the holiday weekend)

7/08/10- Algeria Embassy received Package sent from NVC

7/26/10- Received Packet 3 Via Email, after I called them to inquire about it.

8/15/10- Medical Exam 9 am

8/17/10 INTERVIEW!!! Resulted in Admin Review

10/04/10 Embassy Interviewed Hamza's Dad over the telephone

10/06/10 Embassy Interviewed me over the phone

11/30/10 Embassy Emailed Hamza, with approval Notice!!!!!

12/23/10 Finally Visa in hand. Took little under a month from visa approval, till issuance.

12/31/10 Hamza's Flight to the USA!

12/31/10...7:19 PM Hamza Arrived in the US! Best New Years Ever!

2/22/11 Married!!!

All the above posts are correct... You should expect his command to require him to provide financial support and they may even setup a direct withdrawal from his pay into her bank acct to ensure he pays her support. At a minimum she should receive his Housing allowance. Just have her explain that the ID card expired and the command should help her receive an updated ID. She should remain in DEERS (medical benefits) system until they are divorced. He can also be brought up on Non Judicial Punishment charges for the adultery (just realize that if you do that you could also be cutting off the source of funding that he would be required to provide. Leave it to the Marines to clean up this mess : ) I'm a Former Marine as well

This is all true. Have her contact his chain of command, and family services on post. They can make him set up an allotment, so that she can receive all or at least a portion of the housing money. She will also remain on his medical insurance until they are divorced! If she wants to go back to the phillipines they can put pressure oh him to pay for this. I think they can also set up a ERD (early return of dependents)this will pay for all of her belongings to be shipped back there, on the gov't dime! The ERD Im not 100% on. There might be certain rules for this, but its a good thing to ask about !

Good luck to this lady !

Algeria IS a high fraud consulate. My guess is that they have no interest whatever in your personal life but it is the type of question that could have conflicting answers. Conflicting answers is a waving red flag of fraud. I have heard of interviews where they ask the applicants to draw a picture of their bedroom or their apartment or ask what side of the bed they sleep on. They don't care and it is not relevent to issuing a visa, the are checking for fraud.

The important thing is for both people to be honest. IF they ask about sex and you are not having sex, then say "No". There is no requirement to have sex before a visa is issued.

Hello, I totally agree. Honesty is the Answer. They dont care what the answer is, just as long as its honest, and not conflicting with your answer...if they happened to ask you. They are just looking for fraud.I agree that they have no interest in anyones personal life, they are just trying to connect all the dots, to make a decision.

Thanks! I've never heard of a follow up phone interview. I am drafting my second letter of intent to marry for my fiance to bring to the interview and I'm going to put in explicit details of our first meeting (no dirty stuff!) and continued meetings, our continued intent to marry, and a request for them to call me with further questions because of the DOS travel warning in Haiti. How long of a letter do you think they will reasonably read at the interview?

The issue was not explicit photos of us doing the deed, rather even kissing photos seems like asking a bit much. I do have photos of us kissing, of us swimming together, etc. Phone records, stamped passport, you name it! I just want the interview to go well for my fiance. He's terrified as it is.

I appreciate the humor with which many of you approach this topic, however these issue do come up and have come up. As to them not asking sex questions of K1 visa applications, the link that I provided was one such interview. i didn't think they did "stokes" interviews except for CR1 and married folks who have more to prove when it comes to a marital relationship. We don't live together yet so I have no idea what side of the bed he sleeps on, nor the color of his toothbrush, etc.

They can't interrogate one man by himself so perhaps its better if I *don't* show up for the interview? Its hard to figure out how to play this game. I can't likely be there for the current interview date because I have very strong obligations with my work until mid-May and I naturally need to keep my job!

In the end if they delay the visa and make me travel there for a second interview I'll be mad! But of course i'll do it.. just another frustrating delay.

Thanks for all the input!

Hi again. For the letter of intent. I would keep it very short and simple. They have a sample of this under example forms I belive. For the timeline of your relationship. I would keep to the basics with that too. You dont want to give them something more to question you about. The more information you give them, will just give them more ammo for questioning. In my opinion anway. Just Short, sweet, and to the point. Make sure your Fiance has reviewed your timeline as well, so that you are not giving confilicting answers. We did a timeline with dates, and then gave a brief history about how we met, and how the relationship evolved. We did not go into much detail.

Hope this helps!