ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Middle East and North AfricaIM SOOOOOOOOOOOOO SAD
I won't tell you that it's going to be easy.. There will be times that are really tough for you.. But anything that's good is worth fighting hard for, and you'll be making your own new family in America. Just take your time, ask a lot of questions, and try to relax. Your family must be so proud of you ^_^
KittyPollittFemaleMorocco2010-10-05 01:02:00
Middle East and North AfricaInteresting video

do you believe she is inaccurate with what she is saying?


I believe she may have sugarcoated things a bit regarding the level of scrutiny a couple is placed under at Casablanca.
KittyPollittFemaleMorocco2011-10-01 01:12:00
Middle East and North AfricaInteresting video
That particular person, Nahal Kazemi, is no longer the NIV Chief at Casablanca.
KittyPollittFemaleMorocco2011-09-29 19:19:00
Middle East and North AfricaMoroccan Consulate in New York .. Still there?
Try calling the Embassy in DC. They'll know what's going on.
KittyPollittFemaleMorocco2011-09-28 13:06:00
Middle East and North AfricaCell phones in Morocco
Buy a phone with your current provider. Then call their tech support and tell them you will be traveling overseas and would like to unlock the phone for use with a foreign sim card. Note that this will not work with a Verizon or a Sprint phone, only ATT, Cricket, or Tmobile. Otherwise, you'd have to buy an unlocked phone off of Ebay. The phone has to be unlocked to use with a network other than the one it was originally assigned to. Unlocked phones are usually more expensive to buy, that's why I suggest you get one from your provider if you can. When you send it, make sure you have it insured for the full amount it's worth. He'll have to pay a tariff to get it out of customs, but at least if it's lost or stolen, you'll be covered.
KittyPollittFemaleMorocco2011-09-29 12:25:00
Middle East and North Africadenied at casablanca

I have always been wondering one thing - of all those beneficiaries who have been denied, how many of them were working in Morocco? Just wondering if that might be a factor in a first denial.


I dunno.. my husband hadn't had a job in years when he was approved.. They know how hard it is over there..
KittyPollittFemaleMorocco2011-03-29 21:50:00
Middle East and North Africadenied at casablanca
Tany, I think what happened to you is bullsh1t and I hope you can get some answers. We're all here for you :luv:

Sarah
KittyPollittFemaleMorocco2011-03-29 11:58:00
Middle East and North AfricaNeed to find reason(s) for denial
Freedom of Information Act is the only way to get that info. It takes a long time, and often, the consular officer's given reasons are ridiculous and unfounded. Work on building a stronger case with visits and continued correspondence. :)
KittyPollittFemaleMorocco2011-12-28 18:45:00
Middle East and North AfricaNVC after asylum
If he's overstayed for 2 years, you really shouldn't be too concerned about the interview. Regardless of what they think of your case, he will be denied on grounds of inadmissibility. That's when you have to file your waiver. The interview should be short- he has a 10 year ban, you can be sure.
KittyPollittFemaleMorocco2011-12-31 23:42:00
Middle East and North AfricaObtaining a visa to leave Morocco but already in usa

I'll be interested to know this, too! I was under the impression that you also had to have the "advance parole" status. Does the need for that just go away once they issue a green card?


Advanced parole is permission to leave and re enter the US during the LPR processing stage (once the greencard is applied for, but not yet issued). As Darnell said, greencard trumps all. Those with a greencard re enter the US with the greencard, nothing else is needed.
KittyPollittFemaleMorocco2012-01-07 02:22:00
Middle East and North AfricaAvoiding a denial
I don't think you're going to have trouble proving a bonafide relationship, considering your circumstances. What you need to worry about is that waiver. Laurel Scott is a great attorney for waivers, you should look her up.
KittyPollittFemaleMorocco2012-01-10 21:12:00
Middle East and North AfricaTraveling thru Europe, UK specifically
Le sigh. Hope I don't have to send him on and visit my cousins alone :(
KittyPollittFemaleMorocco2012-01-10 00:07:00
Middle East and North AfricaTraveling thru Europe, UK specifically
Hey, has anyone's greencard holding Moroccan SO ever been able to get a UK visit visa? If so, was it hard? We're planning a trip back to Morocco in 2 years, and I wanna stop for a day or 2 in the UK to visit friends and family.
KittyPollittFemaleMorocco2012-01-09 09:25:00
Middle East and North AfricaSo what happens to couples who don't get the visa???

Excuse me if I offended you or anyone here so sorry :bonk: Well in regards to sbata I know it well and have been there and surrounding areas of it, that place is horrible, as regards to the poor parts of Morocco which is overwhelming then the nice places, the so called nie places in morocco dont compare to our nice places or nice neighborhoods in America. They built some malls there from whom? because most moroccans cant afford to shop in places like that. Morocco's success and superiority lies in the country's good hospitality and for me it's mosques and the islam unlike the west, in Morocco there isnt much murder and rape and filth,even though it's changing for the worst and some good change


It's no problem. I wouldn't be offended, because you don't know me. I agree with you about that mall. As my husband would say, it's built for "rich Fesi people" lol. The nice places in America are very nice, that's true. What sucks about all the nice houses you see is knowing that the people who live in them are in so much debt, they'll never get out and most are one paycheck away from being homeless. It's an entirely different way of thinking in America when compared to Morocco, and most Moroccans who've never been here have no clue how hard it is to live here. I'd rather be poor in Morocco than poor in America. At least Moroccans don't know any better.
KittyPollittFemaleMorocco2011-12-29 10:59:00
Middle East and North AfricaSo what happens to couples who don't get the visa???

My views are reality,and I don't believe you lived in morocco because if you did ,you wouldn't of made such a stupid comparison between poverty and joblessness of America to the poverty and joblessness of morocco. It's like night and day.... Daaaaaaw!!!!!!

It's moroccans who find clueless Americans like you and then dump them.


I lived in a very poor area of Casablanca called Sbata. Here in America, I live in a very poor, drug infested city with the 3rd highest murder rate in the US. The things I've seen on the streets here in America make Morocco look like a PARADISE. The grass isn't always greener. As for my husband using me, I doubt that, but your own stereotype demonstrates why it's so "expensive and difficult" for people to immigrate legally.
KittyPollittFemaleMorocco2011-12-29 09:35:00
Middle East and North AfricaSo what happens to couples who don't get the visa???

Yes and a lot of moroccans have ruined it for honest folks trying to get married in morocco and also have ruined it for people who will have meet with the consulate for a visa. The consulate's warning is 100% correct,honestly has marriage became as simple as an online purchase? Online marriage is garbage!!!!!!! It is better and safer for a person to go and see what's really going on then flirting for a billion years(which is generally haram(prohibited)for a muslim)then making decisions online and not actually knowing the person's history Morocco is full of bribery for ANYTHING,just trusting a court and police report isnt suffice. These two items dont give information on character,and how the family is. Mail order bride/groom ####### is #######!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


It's sounds to me from what you've been spouting that you have some very narrow and shallow views of the individuals that get involved in long distance/immigrant relationships. Stick to helping clueless Moroccans. I don't think people here need much help from you.
KittyPollittFemaleMorocco2011-12-28 18:42:00
Middle East and North AfricaSo what happens to couples who don't get the visa???

Well chilling in Morocco is very hard unless you a have higher education(master's degree,or bachelors degree) there is very little employment there for an american nor moroccan,then what is the pay? If you come from a well off family then that's good whih is rare(who can facilitate and assist a person's stay then this is good) Poverty is wide spread in Morocco. For husbands and wives I believe the costs should be free like it is for married couples inside the USA(lol). I think a new awareness should be made known to people pursuing this path. Islamically I'd prefer to be in Morocco,but everyone going down this path isnt a muslim.


Poverty and joblessness are widespread here too, genius. At least it's cheaper to be poor in Morocco. I did live in Morocco. Not all Americans are obsessed with owning big cars and big houses. Ask me, and I'll tell you, I'd rather be poor and happy living by my means than poor and miserable and in constant debt.
KittyPollittFemaleMorocco2011-12-28 18:39:00
Middle East and North AfricaSo what happens to couples who don't get the visa???

Well A next topic should be made from whoever has the best knowledge of what to do when a denial comes about what choices and routes to take, a legal way ,like the after fiance visa,then try to take the spousal way or appeal it by the I-601 or any other route people know and are sure of.


Countless threads on VJ have been dedicated to this subject. It's not a new problem. Do some back reading. As for the government making it cheaper and easier, don't count on it. It's as expensive as it needs to be to support USCIS and the DOS, and it's as difficult as it needs to be to weed out fraud. Does it suck? Yeah, it sucks, but immigration is a privilege, not a right.

If my husband had been denied, I'd be chillin in Morocco right now. I wish I was chillin in Morocco right now. The climate sucks here, politically, financially, and weather wise. le sigh.
KittyPollittFemaleMorocco2011-12-27 12:09:00
Middle East and North AfricaRiads in Casablanca

@wack - muttawa are always gunless. Cant be trusted with one. Mumbling nuts in the US are generally prohibited from owning/carrying them too for the same reason.


Thanks for that nugget of wisdom. I was completely unaware of that. <----that's sarcasm, in case you were unsure.
KittyPollittFemaleMorocco2012-01-30 19:54:00
Middle East and North AfricaRiads in Casablanca

maximum 6 months statutory prison sentance,if caught,possible deportation of non Moroccan(Moroccan Law)

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While you are traveling in Morocco you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different from our own. In some places you may be taken in for questioning if you don’t have your passport with you. There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States, and you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States. If you break local laws in Morocco your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution. It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not wherever you go.

http://travel.state....minal_penalties


I picture this guy as a gunless Moroccan rent a cop with a chest length beard and a kufi on his head.
KittyPollittFemaleMorocco2012-01-12 22:27:00
Middle East and North AfricaRiads in Casablanca

Posted Image


I heart you, Charles.
KittyPollittFemaleMorocco2012-01-12 22:24:00
Middle East and North AfricaRiads in Casablanca

Islam is a divinely-revealed religion, and it is revelation (wahy) from Allaah, may He be exalted. The Qur'aan and Sunnah both come from Allaah. Allaah has made this religion the final religion, and has made its Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) the final Prophet and Messenger.

Every attempt on the part of the kuffaar and atheists to destroy Islam or distort it has ended in failure and loss, because Allaah has guaranteed to protect the foundations of this religion, namely the Qur’aan and Sunnah.

“Verily, We, it is We Who have sent down the Dhikr (i.e. the Qur’aan) and surely, We will guard it (from corruption)”

[al-Hijr 15:9]


Perhaps you should be working to marry off Moroccan women to Saudi men, instead of helping Moroccan men immigrate to America in the beds of American women. If your greatest concern is "keeping pure tribal lines" and defending the faith, then helping Muslim men and women to immigrate to a largely Christian country with a culture that is (sadly) hostile towards Islam is probably not the way to go about it.
KittyPollittFemaleMorocco2012-01-11 23:41:00
Middle East and North AfricaRiads in Casablanca

exactly!!! I'm not arguing from the religious perspective but they said that these things are part of a christian wedding tradition. They are no more part of the christian tradition than they are the islamic one...however both cultures tend to have the same kind of wedding celebration afterwards. No hadeeth necessary because there is a difference between religious permissibility and what actually happens. It must suck to see the world through such limited point of view.


Scary actually. People who interpret ancient religious texts literally and attempt to apply them to the modern age are at the core of each of the religious radical movements.

Edited by Crack Is Wack, 11 January 2012 - 04:56 PM.

KittyPollittFemaleMorocco2012-01-11 16:54:00
Middle East and North AfricaRiads in Casablanca

Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah:

If wedding parties are free of evils such as men mixing with women and indecent songs, or if you attend then these evils will be changed, then it is permissible to attend, so as to share in the occasion of joy. Rather it is obligatory to attend if there is some evil that you can remove.

But if there are evil things in these parties that you cannot denounce, then it is haraam to attend them because of the general meaning of the words of Allaah (interpretation of the meaning):

“And leave alone those who take their religion as play and amusement, and whom the life of this world has deceived. But remind (them) with it (the Qur’aan) lest a person be given up to destruction for that which he has earned, when he will find for himself no protector or intercessor besides Allaah” [al-An’aam 6:70]

“And of mankind is he who purchases idle talks (i.e. music, singing) to mislead (men) from the path of Allaah without knowledge, and takes it (the path of Allaah, or the Verses of the Qur’aan) by way of mockery. For such there will be a humiliating torment (in the Hell-fire)”

[Luqmaan 31:6]

And because of the many ahaadeeth which condemn singing and musical instruments.

From Fataawa al-Mar’ah, compiled by Muhammad al-Musnad, p. 92


You should be posting this stuff on a religious related website.
KittyPollittFemaleMorocco2012-01-11 16:48:00
Middle East and North AfricaRiads in Casablanca


I like you, too, Sarah. I always have. You're gutsy, witty, direct, honest, no nonsense, smart as all get out and I'm sure you're a great mom, too. A lot of us know your story, and I think I'm correct in saying that many of us have admired your determination, resourcefulness and near indestructibly in the way you don't let obstacles overcome you.

But, you know I'm as direct and no nonsense as you are, and I'm very disappointed at the way you're reacted to this thread. Despite what you may see on the surface or how governments act, honor is still a strong part of Arab cultures, and that's not soon to change. Inter-cultural/inter-faith unions are hard enough without losing yourself. Non-Muslim western women don't need to become Arab to be with an Arab man, in fact, I've spoken out here frequently against a lack of integrity in your relationship because it can lead to a loss of self-esteem and identity, which can lead to marital difficulties. Hell, if he wanted an Arab woman, he should have married one, and vice versa.

I'm Muslim and Arab, yet I don't wear hijab or walk two steps behind my man or any of that when I'm in a Muslim country. But, there's a difference between resisting becoming something you're not and showing disrespect to the people you're with. Frankly, I have to wonder what is going on with your man and his family that they would go so far to not demand more respect and reign you in themselves.

I don't come here year after year with what must seem to many of the liberated types like archaic and incredibly old-fashioned advice for no reason. The failure rate of marriages over matters of respect and self-esteem in this forum is high, us old-timers know it, and I figure it's a good idea to let folks in on the very basics of how you should expect to be treated if you are valued by his family.

Universally, what a man looks for in a girlfriend and what he wants in a wife are two different things. In Arab cultures, this distinction is generally magnified. There are certainly men and families who will fall outside of this norm, but there are too many who won't. Believe me, the ones who won't are the ones you want because they will respect your differences if you, in turn, respect theirs.

I've never been non-Arab, but I hear that a book titled "Believing As Ourselves" is a good resource for those who are and who become involved with an Arab man. I don't think it's been mentioned here for a while, so those of you who do read it, I'd love to know what you think.

Anyway, Sarah, you're young yet, some of this may grow on you in time. No matter what, I continue to wish you well as I have since you burst upon the MENA scene. You never cease to amaze me and I hope you never will.

Salaam

However,it is advised NOT to marry a non-Muslim woman, nor is it NOT advised you to marry just any Muslim woman. For married life is not based only on beauty and attraction,or culture and race, rather the wise Muslim must look with insight at what is beyond that, because he needs to be sure that his house will be looked after in his absence, and he needs to bring up his children, and he will not be able to find that or other things which every wise husband seeks, except with a religious Muslim woman. This is the advice of our Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him.

It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “A woman may be married for four reasons: her wealth, her lineage, her beauty and her religious commitment. Choose the one who is religious, may your hands be rubbed with dust [i.e., may you prosper].”

(Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 4802; Muslim, 1466).




Posted Image
KittyPollittFemaleMorocco2012-01-11 07:37:00
Middle East and North AfricaRiads in Casablanca
And my opinion of you hasn't changed at all, Sofiyya. You're good and decent, and I respect you, regardless of what you think of me.
KittyPollittFemaleMorocco2012-01-09 01:32:00
Middle East and North AfricaRiads in Casablanca

:blink: Ok, Sarah, this thread wasn't about you until you made it about you. For someone who says she doesn't care what people think about her, you've certainly gone out of your way to make an impression. That's a shame because I'll bet that most of us had a higher opinion of you before this. I know I did. Now, all I can say is your daughter deserves better.


I'll reiterate that I don't care about other's opinions of me. My daughter is fine. I don't drink or do irresponsible things about her, and believe it or not, I'm NOT a #######- I guess my sarcasm was lost on everyone. I stayed with him before marriage because I knew I would marry him. I work 2 jobs, 70+ hours a week, pay all the bills around here, and still find time to mother my child. What I'm trying to say is that an American woman, with American habits, shouldn't go changing who she is to conform to her husband's culture. When I go to Morocco, I'm not going to go around in hijab and a jelaba, saying hamdulillah every other word, just because that's the culture there. I am who I am, and if people are talking ####### about me behind my back, that's their karma, not mine.
KittyPollittFemaleMorocco2012-01-09 01:17:00
Middle East and North AfricaRiads in Casablanca

That's disgusting!!!


No honey, what's disgusting is Moroccan's idea of beer- "special flag". pisswater. Went to a locals bar in Marrakech and drank 3 grown men under the table, then walked out sober as a judge. A sorry excuse for a national beer.
KittyPollittFemaleMorocco2012-01-08 17:04:00
Middle East and North AfricaRiads in Casablanca

Whatever works for you!


Thank you so much for your reaffirmation of my individuality. It means so much to me in this thread. I'm not even joking.
KittyPollittFemaleMorocco2012-01-08 10:34:00
Middle East and North AfricaRiads in Casablanca
Oh, also drank 2 six packs and a pint of disgusting whiskey at a Domino's in Casablanca, got completely obliterated, and carried to a cab. Security guard helped me get in it.

Posted Image


Edited by Crack Is Wack, 08 January 2012 - 01:25 AM.

KittyPollittFemaleMorocco2012-01-08 01:23:00
Middle East and North AfricaRiads in Casablanca

God do I love a good cat fight! No matter what anyone says, if you sleep with their middle eastern men before marriage they will think you are a #######. Just how they roll there.


Guess they think I'm a #######. Do I care? Not particularly. Also had a child out of wedlock, and stayed in 1/2 dozen Moroccan hotels with her and my husband with no marriage license, and hung out my inlaw's window in a sleeveless pajama shirt taking flash photos of the neighbor's weddings. I'm sure I was the scandal of all of Sbata. Still to this day, not a fuc|< has been given by me.
KittyPollittFemaleMorocco2012-01-08 01:15:00
Middle East and North AfricaRiads in Casablanca

My BIL also has a "magic passport". It's amazing what happens when it doesn't work as anticipated. The ugly American isn't always welcome. It will be interesting to see what increasing traditionalism/nationalism and the effects of the Arab Spring have on our ugliness overseas.


Your brother in law, even though he has a "magic passport"- he's Moroccan, right?
KittyPollittFemaleMorocco2012-01-07 13:22:00
Middle East and North AfricaRiads in Casablanca

Wait...are you insinuating it's non-Muslims, non-Moroccans, and/or Westerners who tarnish the pristine non-corrupt systems in Morocco with bribes? :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:


Bribing the police was something that was totally alien to me upon coming to Morocco. My in laws taught me all about it. We stayed in hotels where you left your bribe at the front desk for the desk clerk, and the cop who checked in nightly. Try to bribe a cop in my town in the US, you're going UNDER the jail.
KittyPollittFemaleMorocco2012-01-07 02:14:00
Middle East and North AfricaRiads in Casablanca

There are laws against Moroccans harassing western women that are used against couples. However, bribes don't always work. One of my BILs was jailed last for having more than one wife without his first wife's permission. His second wife, whom he was with, is loaded, but the jailers couldn't be bribed. He sat there until his first wife gave him permission for the second wife.


It's amazing what a blue passport and some blue dirhams can let you get away with in Morocco..
KittyPollittFemaleMorocco2012-01-07 02:11:00
Middle East and North AfricaRiads in Casablanca

Sofiyya is absolutely right, Firtly to make clear the law is based on islamic laws...SEX BEFORE MARRIAGE AND ANYTHING THAT LEADS TO IT IS HARAAM(prohibited) A bribe might work sometimes and it might NOT work,it depends on the peticular officer... Bribery is haram(generally) in islam unless the person who is paying the bribe, needs to obtain his rights but it is ALWAYS HARAM on the one who asks for the bribe money(Shaikh Uthaymeen Al Kaba'irr) :blink:

so with that understood receiving a bribe and paying for a bribe for something that is haram is haraam all together no exceptions :devil: :bonk:

@ sofiyya: How many VJ breakups from Morocco have occured? Because Americans need to be warned about this :crying:


Using the HARAM argument generally doesn't work with non Muslims.
KittyPollittFemaleMorocco2012-01-05 12:49:00
Middle East and North AfricaRiads in Casablanca
Happy New Year, Sofiyya :)
KittyPollittFemaleMorocco2011-12-31 17:25:00
Middle East and North AfricaRiads in Casablanca

I know what's done, but what a man does is judged differently than what a woman does. There's nothing new about that. There's a distinct advantage in knowing what's being spread behind your back about what goes on behind closed doors. This is a place where not much goes unnoticed or unspoken,


Listen, all I'm saying is that if a couple is caught cohabitating before marriage in Morocco by authorities- a few Dh, and you're free to go. Whatever may be SAID by family members about us western women, they have no issues letting us sleep with their sons if it means they get a visa. So basically, Moroccans are "very traditional" until you wave $$ signs in their face, and then they look the other way. That's NOT traditional, that's slimy and dishonest. Try the aforementioned in the UAE, and oh, you're going to JAIL. THAT'S traditional and conservative. I really could care less what some so called "traditional" Moroccans say about me behind my back. You put me in jail in Dubai, THAT gets my attention. :blink:
KittyPollittFemaleMorocco2011-12-31 10:33:00
Middle East and North AfricaRiads in Casablanca

I know Morocco better than you. I've been going there since 1968 when my family settled there, I own a home there and have family there. You can believe what you want, but I also speak Arabic and Darija fluently, so I know what been said about western women who stay with Moroccan men when their two-faced families aren't smiling at you. The number of breakups on this board speaks volumes and says it better than I can.


Ah, but we weren't discussing what's said, but what is done.
KittyPollittFemaleMorocco2011-12-31 03:43:00
Middle East and North AfricaRiads in Casablanca

In Morocco, social norms are still very traditional, for the most part. If a family encourages their son to bed with a woman before marriage, it's a sign of disrespect. The family of a Moroccan woman from a good family would consider it an insult for the man's family to facilitate cohabitation between the son and their daughter. That needs to be said because this board has a high rate of failure, much of it due to a lack of understanding of Arab cultures by women who go there with no guidance regarding how most people think.


We're not Moroccan women. We'll sleep with whoever we damn well please. I understand the culture as well as anyone could, too. I lived there. What goes on behind closed doors in Morocco would blow your very traditional Palestinian mind. That's all I'll say.
KittyPollittFemaleMorocco2011-12-27 12:17:00
Middle East and North Africaask idea plz

That doesn't matter If u both guys can proof that u relationship is truth love


This is 100% wishful thinking.
KittyPollittFemaleMorocco2012-02-14 19:03:00