biggish data

I'm sure this is not going to be a popular sentiment, but I'm going to express it anyway.

Meeting reactionary, emotional, infammatory rhetoric with the same won't do anything to advance the situation. It's a horribly difficult situation, but it saddens me to hear that family members are being cut off from one another because of religious choices, misperceptions about religions, etc. I have found the best way to handle people like that, is to continue to show them by example what happiness and peace Islam has brought into my life. I think that's always the best response.

It can feel like a confusing betrayal to hard-core religious family members when someone in the family chooses another religion. Shutting them out seems like it will allow their ignorance and emotionality to rage.

Again, sure it's not popular, but one thing that Islam teaches us is that how we treat our parents, especially our mothers, is incredibly important. We're not responsible for their behavior towards us, but always responsible for our behavior towards them.

Also, this is just my preoccupation and perspective - if bridges between different religions within families can't be formed, what hope is there for interfaith relations among strangers, etc?

I like your post, but I think it's more difficult within families, because they think they KNOW each other down to the very last hair on their head (or legs, depending.

). At least with strangers, there aren't any expectations. Like a Christian family expecting their children to be upstanding Christian kids and subsequently, adults (personal experience). You don't expect almost ANYTHING from a stranger.

Also, another problem. Trying to deal with bigotry and narrow-mindedness with peace and understanding is like trying to "catch a wave upon the sand". I mean, where do you think the term "you can lead a horse to water..." comes from?

My mother-in-law (a "flaming liberal", according to her nephew) told me once that close/narrow-minded people are extremely difficult to deal with, after I had severed ties with a couple that had poisoned my self-worth to make themselves feel better (not the whole story). She also said that people like that think, "I've already made up my mind, don't bother me with the facts."

Unfortunately, as much as we want common understanding, faith and reason are not antonyms.

P&K

Female

Singapore

2010-08-20 12:34:00

Not to offend, but it almost seems like your aunt was born back when everyone BELIEVED that the world was flat.

(trying to inject some humor...)

P&K

Female

Singapore

2010-08-18 19:01:00

Meghan, I really hope you find acceptance with your family, as I have with mine (for different reasons, which I will explain in a little bit...)

Zaytoona, I just read your story and it was well... heartwarmingly hilarious (is that even possible?). Hehehe.

My story isn't really about religion or Islam, but it has similar tones. Both my parents are super traditional Chinese parents that were brought up Christian, and are very staunch Christians now that they're in their later years. Of course, I was brought up a Christian as well, and as much as I love my Christ, I'm not very... attached to the label of "Christian" (read: Westboro Baptist Church, and those of the Church of Jesus Christ-Christian; you'll see what I mean).

My mother ALWAYS told me to marry a "good Chinese Christian boy", but the guys I dated were... not my type. So she said she MAY compromise if I find someone that she can like. Because you know... marrying someone is like marrying their family (right? Right....?)

And then I met my husband... He was (and still is) a great guy despite his long, smooth, curly locks (I'm jealous, can you tell?) and scruffy almost-unkempt beard... My mother didn't like him at first because he was Caucasian (remember that my parents are super traditional) and he had long hair and a beard, but after a while, warmed up to him. We even had a hilarious conversation at his expense that would not sound right in any other English accent except Singlish.

So I told her, "Well... he's not Chinese and he's not really Christian (brought up Lutheran, does not practice any longer), but even so, would a Caucasian guy who looks like Jesus an okay compromise? Oh, and he proposed." She looked at me like I just stabbed her in the eye, then laughed. :rofl:

Phew!

- P

P&K

Female

Singapore

2010-08-17 23:37:00

Well, whatever your decision in regards to how close to family you want to be anymore, I hope it'll work out for you and your future husband. It's true you cannot choose family, but you can kinda choose how to relate to them.

Also, you've done a good job so far at abstaining from temptation!

Ramadan Mubarak!

P&K

Female

Singapore

2010-08-15 22:43:00

POE Question - X-Ray needed?

I actually brought my xray with me via handcarry... turned out that the officer didn't need it. But I wouldn't be too complacent though; I was warned by the officer in the Embassy in SG that I should carry it on my person.

Just roll it up in a mailing tube (Singapore Post sells them in various lengths, not too expensive either!) and let it stick out your backpack if too long

P&K

Female

Singapore

2008-12-19 10:42:00

Interview - can anyone give me a heads up?

The medical results MAY OR MAY NOT reach the consulate in time for your interview. Or at least that's what happened with me. In any case, they will keep you pending for a visa until they receive it, and then contact you to either deny you or issue you a visa (that usually doesn't happen on the spot though, and I haven't found any VJ'er yet who's been denied because of their medical)

I believe that you CAN pick them up, just keep them in the packaged sealed by the doctor.

As for the DS 230 Part 2, feel free to fill in anything that applies to you ABOVE THE GRAY BOX that says explicitly that a consular representative will help you fill out item 35.

P&K

Female

Singapore

2009-03-12 12:41:00

My Stupidity

I also miss SG food... T-T

Once I get the chance to fly home... First thing is definitely gonna be CHICKEN RICE!! Followed by nasi lemak! Katong laksa! Fishball noodle! Bak kut teh! Or jian! Tau huay! Char siew fan! Dim sum! Prata! Roti John! TULANG! Ok now I hungry. Jialat.

P&K

Female

Singapore

2010-08-05 10:38:00

My Stupidity

HAHAH too kanchiong sia.

Received it on the 22nd of June. NOA 1.

Hahaha mai kunchiong mai kunchiong. Like Darnell say, go makan a bit, that's what we Singaporeans are known for right, the food? Hahahaha. So now just waiting for interview or what?

Jiayou! Must keep fellow SG'ean in the loop hor!

P&K

Female

Singapore

2010-08-04 06:13:00

My Stupidity

oh, yeah...will keep doing that.

haiz! this post serves as a reminder to everyone who is possessed like me to always have your mails tracked.

Any updates, combi? No more kunchiong-ing?

P&K

Female

Singapore

2010-08-03 21:20:00

Good bye, friends!

I glanced briefly at the other thread, but you shouldn't let it get you down. It's only ONE thread, I've seen you give excellent advice in others. And what happened to your fpatience, hmm? I mean, your user name is Lotofpatience, right? So -loto = fpatience (ha.ha.)

Like other posters have said, nobody's perfect. Can't expect everyone to agree with you, right? I mean, misunderstandings happen all the time, right?

Well, whatever happens, good luck with your process, and come back soon!

P&K

Female

Singapore

2010-08-18 19:16:00

skype call history

My husband and I just started using skype. I know this question has been asked before, but I never read it because we didn't need it then!

How do I print our call history?

We aren't using cams right now, just calling pc to pc and I need the history (tho it's only gonna be a few days) for the interview.
Thanks!

In your Skype window, click the "Conversations" tab, then look for a little button called "Show History" and click that.

You can also select what type of call history you want to filter, such as Incoming, Outgoing, Missed and IMs etc. Right click your desired entry and you can view history up to 6 months... from there, I don't see a way to export the list into something like Excel or Word yet, but you can take screenshots and print them out.

That should be better than nothing, I hope!

P&K

Female

Singapore

2010-08-15 02:17:00

CFO is a hassle <_<

If you were Divorced I suggest that your wife should bring a copy of your Divorce decree, the counselor might ask for it. And don't forget your Wedding Photo, 1 photo will do.

WOW! I don't know how you were able to get married without it. My wife set up all the paperwork requirements before I arrived and we just attended the appointments on time. She has been to DFA and has her new passport with her married name. We were married 19 Jan 2011 and all is smooth so far.

I wish you good luck.

Idaho RN

Male

Philippines

2011-03-22 00:43:00

NOA2

I have done nothing since receiving the NOA2. I am waiting for the NVC to send me the AOS request and the request for DS230. It was suggested that I call the automated line and get my case number them call and speak to a human once I have it. I will be trying to make this happen this weekend.

Idaho RN

Male

Philippines

2011-06-10 22:21:00

NOA2

Correct! No lawyer. Thanks to all the kind replies. I'll keep updating until she arrives. Best wishes to all...

Idaho RN

Male

Philippines

2011-06-01 00:17:00

NOA2

NOA1 received 4 Feb 2011 at the California Service Center. NOA2 received 27 May 2011. Paperwork enroute to NVC. The processing time is 5 months. Ours took just under 4 months. No RFE's or anything. So for all of you thinking of hiring an attorney I would recommend against it. I just made a check list based on all the documents needed and went over it 3 times before I mailed it in. An attorney was going to cost more than airfare and I still had to pay the fees as well. I found the USCIS people to be polite, professional, and helpful when I called.

My wife and I are so excited now. The hard part is over. I am just waiting to pay the AOS and visa fees then we should be all set for her interview.

Idaho RN

Male

Philippines

2011-05-31 20:39:00

Vaccinations at Medical Exam

Thank you all so much for the great responses. This is the information I was hoping to confirm. I have paid the I-864 and IV fees, mailed the documents to the NVC and we are waiting for the NVC to put the paperwork with our case. Then all should be ready for the documents to be sent to the US Embassy in Manila. Monday 11 July begins week #3 of the waiting for the NVC to get it all together. Fingers crossed and many prayers for this to be the week it all comes together.

Good luck to all of you with pending cases...

Idaho RN

Male

Philippines

2011-07-10 20:42:00

Vaccinations at Medical Exam

Good day to all. One question that we have not been able to have answered is one about the vaccinations being given during the medical exam. Does anyone know if my wife must have all required vaccinations before going to the medical exam or will they be administered during the medical exam. If during the medical exam is there an additional cost for the vaccines?

Thank you in advance for your answers.

Idaho RN

Male

Philippines

2011-07-09 09:04:00

Self harming and GP's letter

I am a registered nurse and the letter from your physician looks like a normal doctor written letter. The word "claims" is used to describe what the doctor heard you say. It is not a negative statement. It really is the same as the doctor writing, "Pt hit her head on a door and now claims she is experiencing dizziness and blurred vision."

It does not mean you say one thing but they see it differently.

Don't sweat the letter. It is the way doctors write.

Good luck

Idaho RN

Male

Philippines

2011-07-15 17:01:00

DS 230

Well folks I've got some bad news. After paying the AOS and IV fees, sending in all the required forms, and waiting for nearly a month... I get an email yesterday from the NVC saying they also need my wife's DS230 and all civil documents. HUH? The embassy website clearly states these documents will be collected on the day of the interview. So I call the NVC and they confirm that the documents are required before an interview date will be set.

Fortunately we had completed the DS 230 two weeks ago and it only needed to be printed out. So she sent a Fed Ex envelope with all the documents to me yesterday and when it arrives here I will include the email letter and cover sheet and send it to the NVC for another month of delays.

For those of you at the stage of AOS and IV fees do yourself a favor and triple check everything. Even call the NVC with the list of documents you have and see if they are going to work.

Good luck to all....

Idaho RN

Male

Philippines

2011-07-20 22:51:00

NVC

I submitted all required documents to the NVC 23 June 2011. I have called weekly and have been told the usual, "We require 20 business days to process paperwork.", each time I call. Well folks... today I called and they have the paperwork and I was told I now have to wait for an available appointment date then the papers will be sent to the US Embassy in Manila. Going by what others have experienced I reasoned that the interview date should be early September 2011. Whoo Hoo! GIT R DONE!

Now I will wait for the official notification from the NVC and the arrival of the pre interview package to my wife. It has been a long wait and we still have a ways to go.

Idaho RN

Male

Philippines

2011-07-15 16:51:00

SIF

I got the SIF today and called the NVC. The paperwork is completed and they are waiting until the 2nd week of Aug to schedule her interview date. (Hopefully in Sep). So I am supposed to call them back on the 17th if I have not heard anything by then.

Fingers crossed...

Idaho RN

Male

Philippines

2011-08-08 09:52:00

Interview Date!! WHOO HOO!!!

Believe it or not I just got an email from the NVC on Saturday evening. The email was to me and cc to my wife. It is the 4 page instruction email with an interview date of 14 Sep 2011. SCHWEET! Fortunately she has already gone to the doctor for her shots and should be able to complete the medical exam in 1 day. Our I-130 NOA1 date was 4 Feb 2011. The NVC got the package 27 May 2011. So it is looking like 8 months from initial filing to ready to fly to the US. We are so happy now. Thanks to God in heaven for his hand in our situation and making things go smoothly. GIT R DONE!

Idaho RN

Male

Philippines

2011-08-13 22:10:00

IV showed as PAID, then REJECTED

I ran into this with the AOS fee. They showed me as paid then a week later as rejected. Make sure the routing numbers of the account are correct and the type of account. I reentered all the same info the second time and it went through.

Idaho RN

Male

Philippines

2011-09-03 06:46:00

Visa Approved WHOO HOO!!!!!

My wife just came from the US Embassy in Manila. Her visa interview was for 0830. It seems the filipina screener conducted most of the interview. When she got to the consulate officer it took about 30 seconds and she was done! They only checked our family pictures. She had taken so many other documents with her just in case. Better to be over prepared than lacking when you need it most.

Idaho RN

Male

Philippines

2011-09-13 23:39:00

US Citizenship General Discussion

CSC BACKED UP

My NOA1 was 4 Feb 2011 and my wife just finished her US Embassy interview on 9/14. She will arrive in the US on 10/1. I had all my papers routed through the CSC. You should be fine.

Idaho RN

Male

Philippines

2011-09-15 22:00:00

When can we file the N-400 ?

I'm unclear on when the 3 years count starts ?? when married or When entered the US, or After lifting of conditions ?

Thanks

Chris-n-Veronica

Male

Moldova

2010-02-14 16:43:00

Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion

husband is very sick,do they still approve my app?

I don't know the answers.. but spend this time with him.. and help him through this hardtime.. I'm a cancer survivor and I know what it means to him to have someone close that loves him... Plus you never know how things will go with this.. the time together..could be longer then you think.. or shorter.. I'll include you in my prayers.. that it is longer......

Take Care and my prayers tonight will be for you and your husband.....

HI All,
We just found out 3 weeks ago that my husband has stage 4 cancer (which means the cancer spreads out to his liver & lungs). I dont know if he will make it for next year. Our question is my greencard will expire november 2007. In case my husband wont make it that time, will they(USCIS) still be able to lift my PR condition? or what will I do? Im lost with everything going on right now, i dont wanna deal with the USCUS at this time if i could help it but I dont want to be deported. We have a 4 month old baby, so i want to be ready for everything in case something bad will happen to my husband.
i hope someone can help me or give me some advise, right now im overwhelmed with stress thinking about my very sick husband, 4 months old baby, working plus the immigration stuff.
Any help or advise will be appreciated. thank you so much.

xtin & mdm

Chris-n-Veronica

Male

Moldova

2006-12-10 00:18:00

Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion

RFE for removing conditions on I-751(CR189)

I've been following this post because we are getting ready to file the I-751 and guess what...We received a notice that we needed to file, Must be something new because everything here I've read says you won't get a notice..

QUOTE (mozplay @ Jul 20 2009, 09:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Well, I think that the fact that you didn't send bank statements before but have them to send now for the past year are good. You can even send the ones prior to the past year (just one or two samples) and use a highlighter to show same address. What about investments? Any investments showing each other as beneficiaries?

As for the mortgage/lease issue, show a copy of the deed and highlight you and your dad as the owners, highlight the date, and then also submit 1. an addendum from you saying exactly what you wrote here and 2. a letter from your dad confirming what you have written. I would have the one from your dad notarized, but that's just me.

W2s are only needed if you do not submit tax transcripts.

I agree to resubmit your entire package of evidence, but you should note in your letter that you are doing just that.

Also, remember that many of the RFE letters are simply compiled of pat phrases that are pulled as appropriate and they may be asking you for something they already have from you ... regardless though .. send it again.

Chris-n-Veronica

Male

Moldova

2009-07-23 07:41:00

Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion

I-751 fee's

So we can use a personal check..?

QUOTE (Kathryn41 @ Aug 25 2009, 02:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

One cheque is fine - I did write in the 'memo' part on the bottom of mine the amount for ROC and the amount for Biometrics just in case there was any questions - had no problems

Chris-n-Veronica

Male

Moldova

2009-08-25 18:11:00

Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion

I-751 fee's

Do I split the money orders or is one fine for the filing fee and biometrics ???

Chris-n-Veronica

Male

Moldova

2009-08-25 13:19:00

Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion

Filed I-751 late, now what?

We just got a notice to file..Must be something new............

QUOTE (arch and cel @ Jul 22 2009, 12:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Meadros @ Jul 22 2009, 02:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

My wife and I filed out I-751 a month after our 2nd anniversary. Yes, I should have been paying better attention. I take full blame for the oversight. That being said, we got it mailed in. Any suggestions about what we can do, or any information about what we're in for, or what is likely to happen, would be appreciated. We haven't received a Notice of Action letter yet, as we mailed it on 7-20-09 and they received it at the CSC on 7-21-09. I called the USCIS, and they gave me some general information, but also said that they make their decisions on a case-by-case basis. It's going to be a few anxious weeks until we get the NoA, and I'm worried that it will only get worse after that.

Heres the complete info regarding your question hope it helps

When to File:

If you are filing jointly, the I-751 form must be filed within the 90 days just preceding the expiration date on your permanent residence card. This is the date that your conditional residence expires. Note that, despite the fact that you may see word "anniversary" used in a confusing way regarding the filing date for removal of conditions, your wedding date is completely irrelevant to determining the window of time during which you may file for removal of conditions. If you and your spouse are outside the United States on orders of the U.S. Government during the period in which the petition must be filed, you may file it within 90 days of your return to the United States. See the USCIS webpage for more specific instructions, and search the forum for stories of several people who have done this successfully.

It is very important to file the I-751 within the correct window of time, and be sure not to file it before the 90-day window. If you file it too early, they will send your application back. You may file at any time during the 90 day window, but it is prudent to file fairly early in the window.

If you fail to properly file the Form I-751 (Petition to Remove the Conditions on Residence) within the 90-day period before your second anniversary as a conditional resident, your conditional resident status will automatically be terminated and the USCIS will order removal proceedings against you. You will receive a notice from the USCIS telling you that you have failed to remove the conditions, and you will also receive a Notice to Appear at a hearing. At the hearing you may review and rebut the evidence against you. You are responsible for proving that you complied with the requirements (the USCIS is not responsible for proving that you did not comply with the requirements).

You will NOT be sent any reminder to file this petition from USCIS. Per the USCIS

Good luck!

Chris-n-Veronica

Male

Moldova

2009-07-23 07:44:00

Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion

Question on pictures

I just scan my pic's or download into the computer..go online to Walgreens or some other place and have them make a set for you .19 per pic. or .10 if you have more then 50 (have two of each done for your copy's)
I then bag them in a sandwich bag and mark them with dates if they don't have them on the face..some camera's do some don't and attach to the paperwork..

This way they are getting real pic's not copies and they do them within 24 hours and sometimes in only a couple of hours..

QUOTE (nycbra @ Sep 5 2009, 12:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I am sending "originals" just because all my pictures are digital. Since I don't have a color printer, I looked at prices at Staples and Kinkos and it was cheaper to order prints of my pictures (10c each) then to have them color printed somewhere else (50c page).
If I had a color printer I would have printed them. I am sending about 4 pages (2 pages for each last 2 years) with 2 pictures each (glued). And I inserted a note saying "These photos are extra copies I understand they will not be returned".
I also put a caption by each photo.

Edited by Chris-n-Veronica, 06 September 2009 - 08:09 PM.

Chris-n-Veronica

Male

Moldova

2009-09-06 20:08:00

Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion

Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion

I didn't notice anything in the instructions...So I'm really confused.. on if I should put down my USC child or not...

QUOTE (Haole @ Sep 6 2009, 09:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Tarik @ Sep 6 2009, 05:39 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Wow guys I'm going to file next week and I was wondering about that,Now I'm confused

.Well my wife and I have a 2 months old baby that is an usc and I have a step-son that is an usc so should I :
1) List all our children (our son + step-son ).
2) List just our son together even he is an usc.
3) Not list any of them since they are both ucs.

3) Not list any of them since they are both ucs.
Submit copies of their BCs and mention them in the cover letter for proof of having a valid marriage.

Chris-n-Veronica

Male

Moldova

2009-09-07 13:03:00

Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion

Well I put our daughters Birth cert. in the package... Wrote U.S. Citizen in the "A# if any" spot and used two lines to put full address and U.S. Citizen again
Hopefully they won't be that blind/####### about it..........

QUOTE (htslogistics-john @ Sep 6 2009, 08:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Haole @ Sep 6 2009, 06:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (htslogistics-john @ Sep 6 2009, 03:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Haole @ Sep 6 2009, 12:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Alls I can say is I listed our USC daughter and got a RFE for USCIS wanting $80 for her biometrics. It took us 3 + months to get it straightened out. Had to get our senator to finally get the petition moving again.It does say list ALL children but they mean children who need conditions removed.
It does say that in the instructions.
DON'T list USC children in Part 5.

at what point in your process did you received the RFE? i made same mistake, i just checked the instructions and it states to list all conditional resident children not USC's. i just did my bio hopefully ii don't get RFE.

I got the RFE in about 3 weeks. LOTS of people have put their USC kids and didn't have any problems. For some reason they screwed up with our case.

yes that sucks...glad u got it all squared away and got GC.. hope i'm good. i didn't even state that she was a usc i just listed our address there isn't enough room. i guess will see. thanks for the quick response.

Chris-n-Veronica

Male

Moldova

2009-09-06 21:28:00

Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion

QUOTE (nycbra @ Sep 6 2009, 01:17 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

yes. you should list all your children and if they live with or not. On the immigration status, you can write U.S. citizen

Ok Thanks

Chris-n-Veronica

Male

Moldova

2009-09-06 14:25:00