ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 JULY 2008 Filers
QUOTE (Lyuba @ Jan 12 2009, 11:56 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
The ceremony went well. Both my husband and my mom who is visiting from Russia attended.


Hmmm. The paperwork Aicha got says only she can attend the ceremony. Did they get to stand near you or was there a separate waiting or observation area for them?
rclouseMaleMorocco2009-01-16 09:36:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 JULY 2008 Filers
QUOTE (sirch320 @ Jan 5 2009, 12:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (rclouse @ Jan 3 2009, 09:07 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (sirch320 @ Jan 3 2009, 03:57 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I received my Oath letter today for 01/29/09 at 8 am at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Happy New Year to everyone!

Aicha received hers for the 29th as well, but for some courthouse in LA.

Woo hoo! It's almost over!


Congratulations! The courthouse will be the Los Angeles Convention Center. There's no other venue for the oath ceremony for January 29, 2009. Cheers!

D'oh, you're right. It says "US District Court Central", but then at the bottom it was LA Convention Center.

Thanks, Lyuba. We love our kids too but we're done. Definitely not going for the Duggar record! wink.gif
rclouseMaleMorocco2009-01-08 17:41:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 JULY 2008 Filers
QUOTE (sirch320 @ Jan 3 2009, 03:57 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I received my Oath letter today for 01/29/09 at 8 am at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Happy New Year to everyone!

Aicha received hers for the 29th as well, but for some courthouse in LA.

Woo hoo! It's almost over!
rclouseMaleMorocco2009-01-03 12:07:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 JULY 2008 Filers
We're still waiting for the oath letter.

But that can wait; we're a little busy right now as we'll be welcoming a new US citizen to the family any day now. smile.gif
rclouseMaleMorocco2008-12-12 10:41:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 JULY 2008 Filers
Wow, what a ####### you had, Lyuba!

More detail of Aicha's interview:

We arrived at 0810 for her 0820 appointment. Had to take our cellphones back to the car cause they had cameras on them (can you get a camera-less cellphone anymore?). Finally at 0935 (with our 15 month old son climbing the walls) they called her in. I tried to join her but the guy said "no spouses". The interview took about ten minutes. She said he was nice & friendly.
rclouseMaleMorocco2008-11-19 16:22:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 JULY 2008 Filers
Aicha passed her interview with ease. She was given the option of new or old test, and since she had studied for the old she took that and answered all ten questions correctly. The officer didn't bother to look at her docs (marriage certificate, my birth certificate, etc). In 60 days she'll get a letter telling her when & where her oath ceremony takes place.

Woo hoo! It's almost all over! smile.gif
rclouseMaleMorocco2008-11-18 15:19:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 JULY 2008 Filers
My wife's interview is tomorrow, 0820. Wish us luck!
rclouseMaleMorocco2008-11-17 15:56:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 JULY 2008 Filers
QUOTE (moonhunt @ Oct 13 2008, 12:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
*P.S. : I may be slow for this week, since I'm enjoying nice weather here in Los Angeles for this week business trip.
Wisconsin weather became to remind the winter weather again. wacko.gif


Enjoy the fire! wink.gif
rclouseMaleMorocco2008-10-14 09:54:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 JULY 2008 Filers
UserName...........Sent.........NOA1......Biometrics...Interview..Oath....USCIS Office

royjmcclymont......06/12........06/16......07/10.......10/29......xx/xx...Atlanta, GA (TSC)
moonhunt...........06/19........07/05......07/24.......09/16......??/??...Milwaukee, WI (NSC)
asiz2002 ..........06/26........07/03......07/15.......xx/xx......xx/xx...Washington DC (VSC)
ILLEGAL_ALIENS.....06/27........07/10......07/25.......09/24......xx/xx...Chicago, IL (NSC)
jsassman...........07/02........07/03......07/31.......10/30......xx/xx...Omaha, NE (NSC)
pkmk...............07/05........07/15......07/29.......09/23......??/??...Chicago , IL (NSC)
Mr Zee.............07/05........07/15......07/29.......09/23......xx/xx...Chicago , IL (NSC)
nikola&kate .......07/05........07/18......08/02.......10/22......xx/xx...Boston, MA (VSC)
NYC_Prospect.......07/07........07/21......08/05.......11/25......xx/xx...New York City, NY (VSC)
yandresyuk.........07/09........07/19......07/26.......10/22......xx/xx...Washington, DC
atlanta123.........07/10........07/14......08/08.......xx/xx......xx/xx...Atlanta, GA (TSC)
2bornot2b..........07/10........07/15......08/09.......xx/xx......xx/xx...Hartford, CT (VSC)
sirch320...........07/10........07/16......08/01.......xx/xx......xx/xx...Los Angeles, CA (CSC)
rezrez.............07/14........07/24......08/12.......xx/xx......xx/xx....Baltimore, MD (VSC)
rclouse............07/14........07/15......08/19.......11/18......xx/xx...Santa Ana, CA (CSC)
FVA................07/17........07/21......08/14.......10/20......xx/xx...Denver, CO (NSC)
Lyuba..............07/17........07/24......08/14.......11/06......xx/xx...St. Louis (NSC)
griffin............07/19........07/21......08/14.......11/17......xx/xx...Detroit, MI (NSC)
KatlvoM............07/21........07/26......08/13.......xx/xx......xx/xx...Columbus SC (TSC)
SamFam.............07/22........07/31......08/18.......10/09......xx/xx...St. Paul, MN (NSC)
paulaclk...........07/23........08/04......08/22.......11/12......xx/xx...Charlotte, NC (TSC)
NYCGAL.............07/25........08/09......08/25.......xx/xx......xx/xx...NYC, NY (VSC)
Kyngsilva..........07/31........08/06......08/28.......xx/xx......xx/xx...St. Paul, MN (NSC)

Auspicious day: our son will be 15 months old, also exactly one month before Aicha's due date. smile.gif
rclouseMaleMorocco2008-09-25 22:20:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 JULY 2008 Filers
Looks like CSC is lagging. sad.gif
rclouseMaleMorocco2008-09-08 10:09:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 JULY 2008 Filers
QUOTE (FVA @ Aug 11 2008, 04:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (rclouse @ Aug 11 2008, 01:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My wife got a letter from USCIS about her N-400 so I rushed home at lunch to check it out. Turns out to be a list of docs she needs to bring to her interview, probably cause it's marriage based. Why they couldn't include that with the interview appointment notification is beyond me.

maybe to give you more time to get the docs ready.

It's basically my birth certificate, our marriage certificate, our son's BC. Even if the interview was next month we could get all that ordered from the various state/county governments in time.
rclouseMaleMorocco2008-08-11 18:06:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 JULY 2008 Filers
My wife got a letter from USCIS about her N-400 so I rushed home at lunch to check it out. Turns out to be a list of docs she needs to bring to her interview, probably cause it's marriage based. Why they couldn't include that with the interview appointment notification is beyond me.
rclouseMaleMorocco2008-08-11 14:34:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 JULY 2008 Filers
Update:

rclouse.......................07/14...............07/15............08/19...........xx/xx...............xx/xx

How soon after biometrics can we expect the interview?
rclouseMaleMorocco2008-08-01 22:07:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 JULY 2008 Filers
Got NOA1:

rclouse.......................07/14...............07/15............xx/xx...........xx/xx...............xx/xx
rclouseMaleMorocco2008-07-21 10:44:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 JULY 2008 Filers
Check cashed 7/17! (ouch)
rclouseMaleMorocco2008-07-18 13:21:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 JULY 2008 Filers
My wife's application was mailed yesterday, 14 July 2008 to the CSC.
rclouseMaleMorocco2008-07-15 10:57:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionHelp me with this argument, please!
Join the mobile infantry and save the world!
Service guarantees citizenship.
Would you like to know more?



/this situation always reminds me
rclouseMaleMorocco2009-05-13 17:41:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionFiled I751 on 4/16, but no action yet as of today
I'm having the same issue with CSC. Mailed it in on the 16th, check still uncashed (4/30).

We'd better get something fairly soon, we're planning on travelling in October.
rclouseMaleMorocco2007-04-30 14:52:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionBiometrics appointment 27 days after NOA1
Cool! Thanks Marcel!

/almost over! woohoo!
rclouseMaleMorocco2007-05-21 12:14:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionBiometrics appointment 27 days after NOA1
We applied to remove conditions around 13 April and NOA1 was dated 02 May. Just got the biometrics appointment and it's the 29th, just 27 days after NOA1.

Is that fast? Did we get lucky? Does approval come very soon after biometrics?
rclouseMaleMorocco2007-05-19 19:41:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion10 Year Card Arrives!
Aicha got hers today, too!

Yay, all done with those bastards! Until next year, when she applies for citizenship...
rclouseMaleMorocco2007-06-11 19:23:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion10 years or 2 years card??

Too bad some who enter on a K-3 first file for EAD, and hold on AOS until closer to 2nd wedding anniversary and file it in a way that the interview gets scheduled after 2nd wedding anniversary, avoiding the conditional green-card.

Why is it too bad?

You want to get permanent resident status ASAP so you'll be eligible to apply for citizenship sooner.

Assuming you want to apply for citizenship, of course...
rclouseMaleMorocco2007-08-02 12:09:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionFor how long I can be outside USA?
Yeah I would love to be US citizen so the maximum I can stay is 5 months to be safe right?

Yes, that's less than 6 months, you should be OK.

You can apply for naturalization (citizenship) 3 months before your three year anniversary as a permanent resident, so look on your green card for the date your residency began. We didn't know this and my wife applied after her three year anniversary, it cost her the chance to vote for Obama.

Hope all is well with your family, Salwa. We're expecting our daughter's birth any day now. smile.gif
rclouseMaleMorocco2008-12-12 15:49:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussioninteresting story at the border
QUOTE (cornbread @ Jun 3 2009, 02:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
The border is not as secure as people might think. Especially at that walkthrough area coming from Tijuana. At least they check ID now. About ten years ago all they used to do is ask you your nationality and if you said American, they'd waive you through. They didn't check ID at all, nor did they check your bags really. They'd just kind of glance in there and waive you through.


Reminds me of this:

When I was in college a buddy of mine & I took a road trip to Ensenada. After two nights of "What Happens in Mexico..." we waited through the 2+ hour line at the border at San Ysidro, my buddy passed out. When we finally got to the officer, he asked me where we had gone and what nationality I was. After I replied, he asked "What about your friend?". I shook him, and he then started rummaging for ID. I said, "No dude, just tell him your nationality!". Bleary-eyed, he looked at the guy and said "I'M AN AMURRICAN!" End of interview, we drove on.

LOL
rclouseMaleMorocco2009-06-04 10:55:00
PhilippinesJesus Always Loved Me

rclouseMaleMorocco2009-04-09 15:40:00
Philippines“Through fervent prayer, God can heal”
Wow, an even more relevant place to post this:


rclouseMaleMorocco2009-04-09 15:48:00
Middle East and North AfricaINTERVIEW DATE
Congratulations, Salwa. I'm happy for you. :)

(edited: not "crongratulations" :P)

Edited by rclouse, 14 July 2006 - 11:16 AM.

rclouseMaleMorocco2006-07-14 11:15:00
Middle East and North AfricaSalwa and Mark....
I'm adding my "good luck" to the huge list, but you don't really need it. If anyone ever met the intentions of the K visa, it's you Salwa. :)

Good luck tomorrow!

BTW, when you boook your plane ticket try to get a window seat. It's much easier to sleep against the window, and if you can't sleep you can at least watch the world go by.
rclouseMaleMorocco2006-07-31 11:35:00
Middle East and North AfricaSeasonal Muslims? Who are you kinding?
I agree with Salwa. Religion should be a personal thing. You shouldn't wear your religion on a sleeve, or ever judge someone according to your religious beliefs. If you find yourself saying "S/he's not a good muslim, look at what s/he's doing!", that's what I'm talking about. Cause then you can start judging people who aren't muslim, and then we end up with all sorts of problems.

Religion is a personal matter. Judge someone by their actions, not by any religious standards. Thank you, shukran, merci!
rclouseMaleMorocco2006-07-30 06:22:00
Middle East and North AfricaI GOT THE VISAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
I said it'd be a piece of cake, and was I right? Was I right? Of course I was.

Posted Image

Congratulations, Salwa! I'm very happy for you. :)
rclouseMaleMorocco2006-08-01 09:17:00
Middle East and North AfricaVISA IN HAND
Congratulations, Salwa!

I booked a ticket in 14 August I can't believe it finally will be with my husband ..Iam soooo happy and scared of flying ...never travelled alone !!!..
Last time i was on airplane i was 6 years old!!!

Don't be afraid of flying. The drive to the airport is much more dangerous than all of the time you'll spend in the plane.

What are your flights? I'm sure a lot of us have been through airports over there and can give you some tips.

Wow, only one more week in Egypt! Better get packing! :)

Which reminds me: find out the weight restrictions on checked baggage for your airline and make sure your luggage comes in below. Last time I flew one suitcase was ten pounds over the limit; fortunately the other one was more than ten pounds under so I just had to transfer some stuff.

Welcome to the United States! :)
rclouseMaleMorocco2006-08-07 09:22:00
Middle East and North AfricaFor everyone about to be reunited

Thank you very much Kristy I am getting very busy lately i didn't check the website for 2 days and I may not be online guys the next days ..you know iam leaving home next Monday sooo My mind will blow and I am so excited. Kristy keep in touch and I will always pray for you and of course any help you need just email me ok..
GOOD LUCK :)

I hope you don't have a connection at Heathrow....
rclouseMaleMorocco2006-08-10 09:57:00
Middle East and North AfricaSalwa
I'm glad you've made it to the US, Salwa. Welcome!

In the future try to get a window seat (if you didn't already), sometimes being able to look outside helps with motion sickness.

Please post your experience with immigration at DTW, it's always interesting to hear how USCIS is doing.

Again, welcome. I'm very happy for you! :)
rclouseMaleMorocco2006-08-16 10:45:00
Middle East and North AfricaInternational Calling Plans
One thig I'm learning right now: they put a "hold" on the money you put in to the card for 24 hours, so you can't use it right away. And of course they don't mention that anywhere during the signup. :P

Think I'll switch our direct dial LD to 3U. Power Net Global (our current LD service) has terrible connections to Morocco. We can hear them, they can't hear us; delay of 2-3 seconds; dropped calls, etc.

Like Noura said, to Morocco, IDT Global Calling Card is the cheapest. Yes...it is a calling card, but you recharge online and can even set it up to automatically recharge once it falls to a certain level. Hicham can call from the States back to a cell in Morocco for 18 cents/minute (lots of 45 minute + phone calls now happen) and it is almost always a good connection (he is calling a cell and you know how they can be).

Here is the link again for y'all.

http://www.idt.net/personal/cards/gc/

I wish I had known of this when Hicham was still in Morocco. I had HUGE phone bills for triple the cost per minute.

Twila


rclouseMaleMorocco2006-09-10 13:00:00
Middle East and North AfricaMoon sighted in Saudia
According to this page, the new moon occurred at 1145 GMT today, and the page itself says sighting the new moon today in North America is close to impossible. Nonetheless the Fiqh Council of North America has declared that tomorrow, 23 Sept is the first day of Ramadan.

I thought that you couldn't declare a new month until the new moon is sighted, and then the next day is the first day of the new month. Right?
rclouseMaleMorocco2006-09-22 15:49:00
Middle East and North AfricaGreat news
Congrats, Salwa!

Wow, you guys didn't waste any time, did you? ;)
rclouseMaleMorocco2006-09-25 18:16:00
Middle East and North AfricaA question ?

Well I am about to apply for AOS and my question is do I have to apply for EAD since I will not work till i recieve my GC ..I am now studying..

so if i didn't apply for EAD and I get my PR card is that makes me legal to work without EAD CARD??? :help:

No, you don't have to apply for the EAD in your AOS. Your LPR (GC) will give you the legal right to work, so don't bother with the EAD. It takes a while anyway; my wife got her EAD only about two months before her AOS interview, so the EAD was a waste of time & money for us.
rclouseMaleMorocco2006-09-28 10:00:00
Middle East and North AfricaInfo from Cairo Consulate

the funny thing they are off in Egyptian and American holidays!!!

All US Consulates recognize American and local holidays. The Consulate in Casablanca is closed for American and Moroccan holidays too.
rclouseMaleMorocco2006-10-05 09:58:00
Middle East and North Africadogs

I expect quite a lot of the questions about Islam is just due to inexposure. I'm probably more exposed to Islam than the average American, but through university courses and discussion. I can count my actual Muslim friends on one hand. So I figure if I wonder about certain customs, it's got to be even worse for someone who only hears about Islam on the news. You'll see similar queries about Mormons or Buddhists or other minority religions in the U.S.

That said, the dog thing has always struck me as a cultural thing more than a religious thing. One of my friends is a first-generation American whose parents are from Iran. He's not religious, and they are but not devoutly so, and he's remarked that he still finds it weird that Americans keep dogs in houses as pets; they're just dirty animals. I suspect it may be more a regional preference than a religious one, or that the two reinforce each other.

My fiancé (Canadian, Protestant) doesn't like dogs as pets because he grew up on a farm and thinks of them as dirty working animals.

That's what my wife has had to overcome. She spent time on a farm and the dogs there were dirty service animals, definately not pets. My chihuahua gets a bath every week and, although he's a pee-er, is otherwise quite clean. But getting past what she was raised with, coupled with a few negative hadiths has been a bit of a challenge.

But things are looking up. She will actually pick him up and let him lick her hand now. :)
rclouseMaleMorocco2006-10-12 10:42:00
Middle East and North Africadogs

Ok. I mean I always thought He forbade the pig because it was unclean but I mean cow balls are unclean too. I onlly ask because I saw that this is an Egyptian fave on a different website and it made me wonder... :whistle:

If you can find me some cow balls I'll eat them raw! ;)
rclouseMaleMorocco2006-10-11 12:12:00