Danni and Hamza

Hey Mandy,

Sorry to hear your troubles. They are really inappropriate there. They asked Hamza similar questions, regarding bedroom practices. Im glad you are getting your senator involved. I think its a good move! Hopefully they will move quickly with the AP, and all will be done soon! Oh I would wait on reporting the CO. Just until he has the visa. Take the advice to write everything down about the interview, then when all is over report!! What did the CO look like ? Hamza got a green slip too. I think it has two options on it, and one is AP and the other AR. Im not sure though. I think, thats how Hamza described it though.

Danni

You've doing great ... you have a great attitude and I commend you for that!!

Now that you have emailed more proof ... did you call the DOS? It would be interesting to see what they had to say. Aside from this, I would suggest giving them some time to read the emails and attachments and work a little on your case (maybe 1 week ) and then I would make a follow up call or email --- just so they dont forget about ya

Keep your spirits up and as I said in the PM ... try to review the questions Hamza was asked and the answers he gave .. I'm sure there will be a follow up interview for either your fiance or yourself or maybe even both.

Sending Good Luck Your Way!!

Malarie

Hey Malarie,

Thanks for the encouragement!!

I didn't think to call the DOS. Im not sure exactly what they do What kind of questions, can I ask them... or what is it they could tell me exactly ? Do you think they would have any information about our case so shortly after the interview? I will give them a call first thing in the morning. Thanks for the Idea

Danni

lemme tell you something .. (in my opinion ) ..these people don't really care of u love her or not and lets be logic...they aren't her family or anything to worry about her...they just search for a mistake anywhere to reject so you can hardly fight back but if they just rejected u like this ..its gonna be a mess and they would have problems..anyways ...they found a mistake with you and they used it .so try to correct ur mistake before the teacher hold pull's ur paper.

Sam

Hey Sam,

Thanks for your reply. Im sure they don't care about me I don't care, or need them to care about me I just need them to see that Hamza and I have a real relationship. There are a few things I can see that they were concerned about. We are doing our best to address those concerns. I called the embassy today to ask about the Administrative review. All they told me was that "this means nothing" It dosnt meant a deny or approval..."just wait the 60 days, and she will contact you with the result" I asked if I could have the interviewers name, so I could address my fax's to her..."no, we cant do that, and you dont need to send anything... she will contact you if she needs anything".

Well I sent emails anyway I scanned letters from my family and sent those. Hamza is faxing letters from his family as well.

These are the things I found that I think we need to address.

A. His parents approval

One concern they had was why all of our letters from family looked the same. Answer.... b/c I made a simple letter for everyone to sign just to say they are approving. To keep it simple for everyone, and to not have extra papers to translate. Apparently, this looked bad ?

They also asked about his approval of my daughter. They, don't mind. They think shes adorable, and ask about her frequently. They tease Hamza about being a daddy for her. Its cute.

B. Difference in religion and how his parents feel about this.

His parents will include this in their letters to the embassy. They don't mind. Everyone has to choose for themselves what is right for them.

C. Why tunisia ?

Maybe they think Hamza was hiding our relationship by meeting me in tunisia. His parents letters will prove he is not hiding me. Also I can send in a letter explaining my fear, and can print out papers of the warnings, highlighting the really scary parts. Although they should know this, as it states in the warning that even US embassy workers are not supposed to go out with out a guard.

I think this is all can be overcome. If they deny us, then they didn't do their research, and ignored our evidence... and there is nothing we can do about that. SOOOOO... here is to praying they do their research, and review our evidence!!

Danni, I'm praying for you and Hamza. Ghani goes tomorrow. I think everything will work out for you but it may take a little time. You know any immigration procedure... they like to take their time. I've seen congressman and senators offices help other couples here so maybe they will be able to move things along for you also. I've never been to Algeria either, but I do text message with his mother, talk to several of his siblings and friends via email and MSN messenger, and I have met several of his siblings while in Paris. I hope that makes a difference. There are pictures of me with his siblings also and he is taking those.

Stay strong and remember why you are doing all this and that he's worth it!

~Mandy

Hey thanks for the encouraging words! I'm sure that everything will work out as well. I know if they do more research, or go over any of the evidence we have submitted, call his family, my family... they will see everything is on the up and up. I just hope they actually take the time to do this. ANYWAY... Gooooood Luck, for your interview tomorrow. They were nice with Hamza, and I'm sure it will be a good experience for Ghani! Ill keep you guys in my thoughts. Let us all know how it goes !!

Danni

I agree. i think it's a big obstacle that you haven't been to his home country and met his family. I went to Algeria last december and had no problems at all.

It may be in obstacle. I had to take seriously the advice of the US govt. not to travel there. Im glad it worked out for you I think it just wasn't an option for me. Have you read the warnings ? I don't know, maybe they are a lil exaggerated, but they really scared me. Tunisia was the safer, cheaper, and more convenient option. We weren't trying to hide anything, or do anything wrong. They will see this, and if they don't they are blind... and we will start over again. Thanks for the reply !

I thought it was pretty common to meet in Tunisia I've read of several Algerian couples that did this and some that even married in Tunis. Wasn't there a time, not that long ago, when Americans were not even permitted entry?

I really hope that you get some answers soon and that everything works out incha allah

I thought it was common too. hmmm.. maybe not as common as I thought. Thanks for your reply. I hope that we will get some good news before the 60 days is up!

Danni,

Hang in there and send as much proof as possible. You are doing the right thing by contacting your congressman. I pray that an approval comes out of this-You guys look like the cutest couple!

God bless,

Zaytoona

haha! Thank you ! Ya, we are hanging in there. I think everything will be o kay!

Well, iam sorry to inform you this bad news...i have some egyptian friend whom had the same , taken to a room and investigated with him , and they were really bad and curse at him and he got refused...but that was in egypt...dun wanna put u down but dun wanna get you shocked too.

Wish best for you both

Sam

Hey Sam, Thanks for the concern. Luckily, no one yelled or cursed at Hamza. I cant imagine how stressful that would make the situation, and not to mention nerve wracking. Hopefully we wont see our case sent back to USCIS. We are going to do everything possible to keep this from happening. Thanks again !

Danni -

If I were you I would be proactive on this!! Contact your congressman --- ask your friends and family members to send emails and/or faxes to the consulate on your behalf acknowledging the relationship etc..

BOMBARD them!!!

I am sending you a PM!!

Hey Malarie,

I contacted my congressman, and his secretary is sending an email first thing in the morning. We are gonna start on the letters ASAP, and keep sending more and more, till they are sick of us... and just approve us Wishful thinking I will take a look at your PM. Thanks again

Every case is different .Its not always a bad thing .The USA embassy in Egypt did the same to me .I had 2 interviews .One of them was in a seperate room with 3 people .2 Americans and an Egyptian .All of them were asking me questions .And it was more than an hour interview .

And here im in USA .

Good luck and my best wishes for you .

Thanks for the encouragment

I'm sorry to hear this news, Danni. But I dont' think it's necessarily bad. Like others have said, send in more evidence of a relationship including affidavits from Hamza's family proving that they know of your relationship and your child and that they approve of the engagement and future marriage. The fact that you didn't go to Algeria and meet his family could possibly be an issue. I understand why you didn't go there but the CO may not. The CO may think his family doesn't know about you at all. Also, it used to be somewhat acceptable or rather not as questionable when people got engaged fairly quickly (under a year) and filed but I don't think that's the case anymore. Get more evidence esp. from his family. I wish you the best and hope that Hamza is able to get his visa sooner than later.

Thanks for the reply. We did originally send letters from all his family, and mine. We are doing it again, just incase they missed it . I guess if you are living in Algeria, then you may not see why someone else would think its dangerous to visit... as they obviously dont see as much risk. Hopefully all the new letters, and the email from the congressmen will help. Cause I seriously doubt another visit in the near future is possible.

Why not contact the embassy via email or telephone and ask them what further evidence they would like to see? This shows them that you're being proactive and also gives you an idea of what you can get together to fax and/or mail to them. I really hope that it turns out well for you and that you get some good news soon.

Hey, thanks for the reply. Im calling the Embassy first thing in the morning to ask if theres anything more I can do to help move this in the right direction. My congressmen will be emailing them in the morning and we are working on letters from family, and freinds:)

You could go with Lufhtansa through Algiers and that will be an easy flight. A good attorney will set you back about 750 to 1000 but they know how to do a withdrawal of the first k1 and then refile the second k1 and address the deficiencies in the fist case. You may not have frontloaded enough as far as evidence and they dont want to see cutesie stuff. They need letters from family members, proof of visits, chat logs, call logs, proof his family knows alot about you, etc. Lawyers know how to do that and an experienced k1 attorney can show you how do to this. I dont know enough about how much his family has been involved but they can for sure sway the embassy if they met you. If they dont know who you are, its going to be a problem. Start sending everything you can towards that embassy and dont be destroyed if it falls apart. You can regroup and do this. You just in my opnion, need to take another trip there... and go actually to Algeria....There will be no doubt in their minds if you actually go to his hometown and meet everyone

Hey, thanks for all the advice. I contacted My congressman, and his secretary, is sending an email in the morning. We are starting on letters from friends and family. Although we had these in both our I129f and packet 3 information. Letters from his mom, dad, 2 brothers, and a sister...then letters letters from my mom, dad brother, and friend. We will do this again, and add details of them supporting, our relationship, and not minding the difference in religion.

I don't regret meeting him in Tunisia. I would have loved to get to know his family... but I really felt it wasn't the best option for me. I take seriously the warnings from the US govt. about Algeria. I wont go there until, he and I are married. Just my opinion. I would love to go and visit him again, unfortunatly its not an option right now, or probably any time in the near future. I really lucked out the first time, I got an inheritance from a relative who passed, and was able to afford the trip, and also the timing worked perfectly with my daughters father to have time to take her for the week. So, I am really hoping and praying, that they will not send the petition back to USCIS... Cause it will be a long wait before I can go back again.

I have faith that all this will work out though. I really hope they will investigate further, call our family, friends, and do a home visit, cause all this will support our case.

Hopefully it wont get to the point where we have to refile, and hire a lawyer... But if it does, then we will take it one step at a time. Thanks again. This is all great information. I really appriciate that you took the time to write to me

O kay this is what the letter from the Embassy says.

section 221g witch prohibits the issuance of a visa to anyone whose application does not comply with the provisions of the immigration and nationality act or regulations issued pursuant thereto the following remarks apply in your case. Your case is under administrative review.

This is what happened at the interview.

He went through security, left his cell phone and ID card.

He sat in a waiting room, they called him to a window, asked for his packet three papers, and passport. Then had him sit back down

Then called to another window to pay, then back to sitting. Then they took his finger prints. Then he waited more, and he said he saw and over heard a few ppl being denied. Then he was the last one there to be interviewed. They took him to a back room, away from were others were being interviewed.

So he sat down, the CO was an a Black female (only being descriptive b/c there are some CO who I hear you want to avoid at all cost .... blonde lady ?) She had him put his thumb on a red scanner, then said sit down.

Here is there conversation:

-She said: bounjour... Hamza Said: Hello

-She asked do you speak english.....yes

-She asked him to write my name... and he did

-What are you going to do in the USA.....Marry my fiance

-What do you know about her..... He started saying, shes 26, she has a daughter. Then she stopped him.

-How old is the daughter......Emma is 5

-How did you meet your Fiance..... online, a social website, named tagged.

-How did you find her in the website.....I was searching for some friends, and I found her.

-Why her exactly.....I liked her profile, she was beautiful, and cool. We like the same music, and movies, she likes to have fun, and loves her family.

-Then what ?.....We felt good with each other, and starting chatting in yahoo.

-Whats yahoo?......Its a chat program

-Why Yahoo?......Cause its fast, and easy, and have other options too.

She is writing things down during all of this.

-Whats her religion.....Christian

-Whats your religion.......Muslim

-Is she going to convert....No, I think she wont.

-Will you have kids ?.....Yes

-How many.....1 or 2

-What religion will they have..... We will teach them both religions, and when they are old enough to choose, they can choose whats best for them

-Do your parents know about Emma (my daughter)......yes

-Is this a problem........Not at all.

-When did you meet in Tunisia.....march 8th

-Are you sure......Yes ( we met on the 8th, he arrived there on the 7th)

-Who picked Tunisia, and why ?.....Danni picked it, b/c she saw warnings on the US travel website, about algeria, and thought it was safer to meet in Tunisia. He offered to show her the papers we printed from the website, and a letter from me stating why not Algeria... but she refused to see them. Then he said the tickets were also cheaper to TUnisa, then Algeria.

-Who bought your ticket..... I paid for a car to tunisa, with some help from my dad.

-Dont you have work?....No I just finished school this year.

-What did you go to school for........He stated his degree.

-What will you work in USA.......He said he will work in his degree field

-Who bought her ticket...... She paid for it with her credit card, maybe she had some help from her dad too.

-Does your girl live alone ?......yes, with her daughter

-Does she own her home.....no she rents from her dad

-Then she asked some questions about our stay in the hotel

-She asked who proposed, and when........Me, on March 11th in the hotel

-Why there......b/c I wanted to do this in person. We talked about marriage before, but I think its better to do it officially.

-Have you ever had a relationship before.......No (I'm his first real relationship...though he has talked to other women online, prior to our relationship.

-Then she asked what his dad does for work..... hes retired from working with petrol.

-Did you ever apply for a greencard before.....no

-Did anyone in your family.... yes, but they were denied at the interview. (his dad applied for a family visa for he and his wife and daughter ...a work visa... and his older brother also applied for a visa...tourist visa. They were denied b/c they had no one to support them there.)

Then she just stared at him, gathered his pictures, wrote some things down, stared at him some more. Then said she will give him a paper. It dosn't mean a visa, or denial. That she has to review if our relationship is real, and we will hear from her in a maximum of 60 days.

Then he sent him to the waiting room, then someone called him and gave him the paper.

Long post. Sorry. I just wanted to get everything in...to get the best advice. I think we just wait now. Congressman ??

Thanks Danni

So I just talked to Hamza, Im waiting to hear more from him. So far I know this much. They did the interview in a seperate room in the back... while everyone else had their interview in the front. They gave him a green slip, and they told him they need to take a closer look to see if our relationship is real, and they will contact us in the next 60 days. Is this a denial? Is this AP ? I will have more information soon. Any thoughts ?

We did have a one worry before the interview. About a month ago, I sent an email requesting an interview. They didnt respond, so I sent another email, about a week later. Then we became impatient, and called for the interview. They gave us a date and time on the phone. Then just a few days ago, they called Hamza to ask if he had an interview, and when is it. Then I recieved an email, in reply to my first email. It said, be informed your fiance has scheduled an interview, for 17th at 1:30.

So Im worried they thought we didnt communicate about the interview. I replied to this email, and said I knew of his interview, and those emails were sent a month ago. I explained we were impatient waiting for an email response, so we called for an interview date instead. Could this have anything to do with anything ?

Thanks for any input

Danni

Hello everyone,

There are a couple of us who have interviews tomorrow at 1:30. I know Hamza and I are a lil nervous, I cant speak for the other couple... but I'm just wondering if there is any tips, or advice you have? Anything that you wish you would have known, before the interview, that you now know looking back? I know something Hamza is a lil nervous about is speaking English for the interview. He is very good in the English language IMO. He is just afraid he will misunderstand something, and make a mistake in an answer. Any way, any advice would be very much appreciated from both of us.

Thanks,

Danni, and Hamza

sorry for that i hope all will be fine

good luck

Ligonier, PA. About 50 miles east of Pittsburgh. Small town!

Thanks everyone !! I'm thankful to have a place to share this experience with, ppl who have been through the same process!

Thanks everyone, for your replies. They answered the phone this morning!!! We got our interview set for August 17th. SOOOOOOOOOOOOO Excited, and a lil nervous. Not looking forward to AP. I hope we can sneak past it somehow! YAY... and thanks again

Danni

Hi. It's been years since I contacted them. But at that time, they only answered the phone during certain hours. For that second number you listed, I think it's 1:30 to 4:00pm mon-thurs and Sunday 2pm-4pm. I was able to get through to them back then, but only after several tries during those hours. They always answered my email within a few days, sometimes on the same day. I used the e-mail address you listed except that the letters c and a are capitalized.

ConsularAlgiers@state.gov I have no idea if that makes a difference.

Thanks for the reply. We did try between those hours, quite a few times. Maybe they are just really busy this week. I sent another Email, maybe the last one got lost ? Who knows. We will just keep trying! Eventually, someone will answer! I hope. Thanks again

I always emailed them and received a response very quickly....usually within hours. Only one time did I have to wait a week or so. I'm not sure if they've gotten busier since then. It's possible because it was over a year ago.

I've never tried calling, but the email you posted is the one I used then.

Thanks,

I guess we will just keep trying. I just get anxious, ya know

I have no info for you but I wanted to say that you and your fiance are super cute and I loved your video montage.

Ok back to business...

haha, thank you so much!

Hey everyone,

Hamza and I have been trying to reach the Algerian Embassy for the last few days, with no answer. We call, and the voice recording comes on. We go to the consular section, then another recording, that says, they can not answer the phone. Has anyone else had issues with this? Is there a better way to reach them ? We tried Emailing as well, a couple times now, with no answer... and its been a week. Does anyone have any suggestions? Is there a more direct way to get a hold of someone there? Has anyone else had similar problems with this embassy ?

0112137 70 08 20 00

0112137 70 08 22 40

These are the two numbers we are calling. The first is for the embassy, and the second for the consular section, at the embassy.

This is the email we are using...consularalgiers@state.gov

Thanks for any suggestions

Danni

Yay!! SO glad this day is finally here for you. I hope you have a wonderful reunion, and nice weather to go along with it. Let us know how everything goes, and how he is adjusting.I'd have a hard time sleeping too! Hope your night goes by quickly. Congrats !

Yay!! SO glad this day is finally here for you. I hope you have a wonderful reunion, and nice weather to go along with it. Let us know how everything goes, and how he is adjusting.I'd have a hard time sleeping too! Hope your night goes by quickly. Congrats !

Thanks malarie! We are working on getting his military papers now. Thanks, again for the reply!

Hey everyone,

Hamza and I have almost everything ready for packet 3, and the interview. Im wondering if we have everything we need, can we call the embassy once we know they recieved our package... and schedule an interview, before recieving the packet 3 ? I have read about others doing this, in non mena countries. Just wondering how this goes over in MENA countries, specifically Algeria. Thanks for any replies ahead of time!

If anyone has been tying to get ahold of NVC, and has been only getting the busy signal. Try calling tonight. I got ahold of them with very little wait twice. The first time I called to see if my KI package has been sent to the embassy, and was so thrilled to hear that it has been sent out.... that I forgot to ask for the new case number. hahaha. Anyway I called back a second time... and didnt wait at all. So give it a try, good luck. Maybe there not busy tonight.

Danni

Hi Danni, He will need his military exemption. Good luck

Meriem

Thanks for the reply Meriem! We will get on that, first thing sunday