ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Middle East and North AfricaBusiness in Morocco
My understanding is that it can be a bit complicated for foreigners to start businesses there but if you have your husband who is still a citizen lead the campaign it might go a little easier for you. There is a lot to take into consideration so I would suggest first looking into what the US requirements will be such as the tax implications.

I've seen a few books at the library on starting a business in a foreign country so you might want to do a quick search for some of those.
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2010-06-02 09:14:00
Middle East and North AfricaMoroccans find love online
It's no different than what is happening here. Many people meet on online dating websites or even by networking on facebook or what have you. Not sure why this is "story worthy". The internet has become more accessible to people and therefore these channels have opened up to them.

Sounds pretty standard to me.
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2010-07-08 21:46:00
Middle East and North AfricaBank Statements ?'s
My husband also brought the 3 years of tax returns but didn't bring any bank statements
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2010-08-04 08:25:00
Middle East and North Africadivorce rate/mena/couples
Oh for crying out loud. Yes there are dumbasses in MENA, yes there are dumbasses everywhere else in the world.

Hanging In There: Yes there are issues in MENA countries, yes there are issues with SOME men from MENA countries. But the same can be said about EVERYWHERE else. I've personally seen several American men who are controlling and abusive towards their wives and who see that abuse as something that they are entitled to do. I've seen WIVES who are controlling and abusive with their husbands because they aren't doing everything their wife wants them to do.

It's so frustrating to sit here and see the back and forth on "well maybe in your circle you see this, but in my circle I see this". What that should tell you is that clearly everyone has different experiences which should then tell you that it happens everywhere.

And I have to say, if there is a man and woman who are divorced and the man tries to take their child out of America without permission that would definitely not be ok. It wouldn't even be ok if they were married. It's not a MENA only law that prohibits parents from taking children without permission. I know a couple who was divorced with 3 kids, the man and woman lived in different states and the kids were being abused by their mom. He heard about it and went and picked the kids up and was taking them to his house so they could be safe. He just crossed state lines and was put in jail for almost a year for kidnapping his own kids from their abusive mother.

Wow... I wonder what conclusion I should draw from that story... Let me think... In my cirlce I've only heard of that happening from 1 person and he was American and so was his ex-wife... I guess I should say that the rate of women who abuse their kids is higher in America and I should also believe that the American government isn't protecting children. Or should I believe that this instance is sadly only one of hundreds or thousands that occur every minute around the entire world?
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2010-07-29 10:18:00
Middle East and North AfricaMoroccan group calls for fast-breaking in public
Temptations are all around us, whether it's Ramadan or Lent there's always something there trying to pull us off course. I don't think the answer to faith is to create laws trying to prevent these temptations. I would argue at that point that it is not faith holding you back that it is in fact fear of the earthly consequences.


I think faith is having those temptations all around you and remembering why you are doing what you're doing. I think that is when it is truly in your heart.
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2010-08-11 09:21:00
Middle East and North AfricaMoroccan group calls for fast-breaking in public

First I can say at one point I struggled financially and needed to go to the government for help, and I never had to work for what I was given. I know if a person is not presently working they must actively seek work in order to receive any benefits. And if they do make you vonlunteer at a church or something what is wrong with helping others, they are not forcing you to attend church or believe in their doctrine.

As for the Mosque at ground zero, I have heard a lot about that, but honestly I have heard more people supporting it rather than objecting it. Majority of people feel this is America and freedom of religion, and are well aware that Muslims died on that day as well, and the ones who don't understand that are just ignorant.

I am an American Muslim convert and I do support the seperation of religion and state. I'm not Muslim bashing, and as I stated before if a person chooses to fast it should be out of obedience and love for Allah, and if they have a problem seeing someone else eating when they choose not too, then IMO they are not fasting for the right reasons. The argument of "poor me," and "what about me," can be said from both sides. Poor me I can't eat in public because of the law, and poor me I'm fasting and seen someone eating and its not fair. One thing I was taught when I was a Christian, is that when we choose to fast we should not inform everyone we know we are fasting (unless they ask, then you can tell them), or let others know you are suffering because you can't eat. Fasting along with prayer, and others things we do is to bring us closer to Allah, and we should not complain about the hardship we endure during the process, but rather be glad that our actions and obedience is pleasing to Allah, and know that it is much more pleasing to him if we do it with a clean heart and not self pity.


I agree with what you're saying. If fasting is mandated by law it no longer becomes something that you choose to do and once it is not something that is found in your heart then it really is no longer serving the purpose it was intended to serve. I get that if the majority is fasting that it would be the courteous thing to do and not eat in front of them... I don't eat in front of my husband when he's fasting. But this leads me to question several things, is it not haram to smoke and drink? What about those Muslims that smoke and drink in public? Should they receive jail time for that?

If I'm correct here the meaning of Islam is submission. You can't really force submission... it's something that is in your heart or isn't in your heart. I don't think these people are Muslim haters. When you're fasting you really shouldn't be concerned with what anyone else is doing, again that takes away from the whole point of fasting. It is about you and doing this because GOD commanded it. I would hate to be the judge of someone else's religion. By that I mean, I would never want to be responsible for enforcing this law, the fact is that GOD is the only one who can enforce religious laws and that is something we should be thankful for. What a huge task that would be. I'm thankful that I don't ever need to concern myself with whether someone is practicing religion they way that they *should* be.
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2010-08-10 13:35:00
Middle East and North AfricaMoroccan group calls for fast-breaking in public

Being an American muslim, I find this topic very interesting.

I also didn't realize that it is aganst the law in Morocco to break fast in public during Ramadan, I'm kind of shocked about that. So anyone not able to fast for medical reasons, such as anyone who has to take medication, who is diabetic, or women who may be pregnant, or menstrating would be punished by law? What if you're of the minority in Morocco who isn't Muslim? I find this law particularly harsh. I certainly do not compare this to laws around alcohol consumption in the Unites States. Food and drink are sustinance our bodies need to survive, alcohol obviously is not, so that is not a fair comparison IMHO.

I have a friend who grew up in Indonesia, he is not Muslim. However, he did say that while growing up they tried to wait to go out to eat during Ramadan until after maghrib prayers because they received bad treatment by other citizens who were Muslim, he said they didn't like the fact that they had to serve others food when they weren't allowed to partake. I was shocked to hear that as well. Even though fasting is an obligation, I firmly believe that what is in my heart and my true intention is of great importance.

(F)~kiyah~(F)



I haven't had much time to think about this, but I have heard about this. I do know that if you are not Muslim you are not held to this law. So for me, being a Lutheran, if I were to be eating or drinking in public I would have no consequences. This law is directed only towards Muslims.
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2010-08-09 21:12:00
Middle East and North AfricaMY HUSBAND IS FINALLY HOME!!!!!!!
Congrats! It's such an exciting time! Enjoy every minute!
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2010-08-20 21:52:00
Middle East and North AfricaMoroccan Cuisine
Tortilla!

Tortilla is simple,
4-5 potatoes, peeled and diced into small pieces
1 medium onion (I use my cheese grater to grate into small pieces)
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp paprika
salt and pepper to taste
2 tbl spn of chopped parsley
5 eggs

In an omlette skillet or other small skillet sautee the onion until soft in Olive oil. Add the potatoes and spices and cook until fork tender. I like to cover the potatoes as they're cooking to speed it up. Once almost fully cooked add the chopped parsely and finish cooking. Transfer the potatoes to a bowl. In a small bowl, crack the eggs and whisk together. Add the eggs to the potatoes and mix together. In the same sautee pan, add another tablespoon of olive oil and add the potato/egg mixture to that. Cook on medium heat.

As the sides start to cook, push them towards the center. after about 4-5 minutes, use a plate to help you flip the tortilla over and cook the other side until done. Serve immediately
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2010-08-26 08:34:00
Middle East and North AfricaSending baked goods to Morocco
I would call the post office and see what they say. I really have no idea how it would work.
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2010-09-01 08:54:00
Middle East and North AfricaWhere do you live in the US ?
Minneapolis, MN!
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2010-08-03 15:53:00
Middle East and North AfricaTrip to Morocco~Is this a bad time?
Personally, I wouldn't cancel my trip. I would register with the embassy and I would be careful while there. I probably wouldn't go out in strange places alone but that's true always.
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2010-09-09 14:14:00
Middle East and North Africaverbal threats
The cycle of abuse is pretty typical and I hate to say that it is probably playing out here. The peaks and valleys are cyclical. He will blow up, say horrible things and at the very least verbally abuse you, when you confront him he will apologize.. say things are changing and basically excuse away his actions. The calm will remain for a few weeks or months and the cycle will start again.

Suggest anger management counseling or even couples counseling and see what he thinks. He needs to learn that his behavior is not ok and there are consequences.
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2010-09-14 20:54:00
Middle East and North AfricaJFK POE
It was also very good for my husband. He got stuck behind some people who had problems with their papers so it took a lot longer than expected but all of the people were very nice and when they were done helping those people they moved him along in about 20 minutes. No problems to report here!
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2010-09-28 09:05:00
Middle East and North AfricaCrossing Border from Morrocco to Spain
You could also head to Tangier and take a boat to Spain, spend the night and go back to Morocco.
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2010-10-09 22:40:00
Middle East and North AfricaMENA making one upset....
You need to look at what is really making you upset. Look logically at the situation and you'll find your answer. I don't think SO's making each other upset is limited to MENA couples, I think that's ALL relationships. Just work together to handle the problems and you'll be fine. Make sure that they are meeting all the items on your "deal breaker" list though!
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2010-10-30 14:52:00
Middle East and North AfricaMENA CR1/K3/K1 visas PART2

Salaam everyone. Just wanted to drop by and say hello to everyone.

Hope all is well.

Been almost 8 weeks since the interview. Still just waiting with no news. Anywho....take care all!



Come on!! He needs to get the visa soon! You don't want him to miss this lovely winter we're having :)

How have you been?
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2010-01-08 14:17:00
Middle East and North Africaneeding someone to guide us - MOROCCO -
I would start by reading the guides and by checking out the fees on the USCIS website. That's a good starting point for you.

Edited by New Beginnings, 05 January 2011 - 05:01 PM.

New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2011-01-05 17:01:00
Middle East and North Africamail from usa to morocco
We never had any problems with the mail system in Morocco. Perhaps we were just very fortunate.
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2011-01-26 09:39:00
Middle East and North AfricaMENA men say the darndest things....
QUOTE (Leyla @ Apr 13 2009, 03:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Here is another topic... maybe we can call it...


MENA Men EAT the darndest things.

So I've noticed my husband eats some questionable food combinations here are some examples:

He puts ranch (on EVERYTHING)
He put mayo on his rice
He ate Honey Bunches of Oats with milk, ritz crackers and peach yougurt (all mixed in the bowl) and then refigerates it if he doesn't finish and eats it later.... soggy...
He decided to cook and made a bean, tomato, random spice, potato soup(ish)


There are more things... but I can't think of all of them...


My husband eats spaghetti with milk as a sauce which sounds just awful to me!
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-04-13 16:07:00
Middle East and North AfricaMENA men say the darndest things....
My husband and I were talking one day before my first trip to Morocco and I asked him if the milk there was pasturized, he said yes of course and the conversation moved on to something else. A few days later it must have been in his head again because he asked me "is the milk there.. b... b.." and of course I knew what he was trying to say but I wanted to hear what he came up with and he finally said "Is the milk baptised?" so I said yes, of course we only drink milk that has been blessed in the name of the father.. the son.. and the holy spirit.

Another time I was teasing him about how he was going to be bald one day like his brother and he proceeded to tell me that his brother was already bald by the time he was my husbands age and it was because "he drank from the ####### of my aunt and all her sons are bald" I had to explain to him that he should say "nursed from my aunt" between trying to catch my breath from laughing so hard.


New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-04-13 14:03:00
Middle East and North AfricaHappy stories of American women +Moroccan husbands
My husband and I have been married for almost 3 1/2 years now. He's been here for almost 2 years. I would say that we are a success. I love my life with my husband even through the hard times. I believe we compliment each other very nicely and even with different cultures we try to keep our marriage first above anything else. Because of the time we spent apart physically we were able to grow our communication skills. I feel that communication is one of our best qualities.
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2011-03-01 15:32:00
Middle East and North AfricaKids Birthday Cake In Morocco
I can send you some recipes for some yummy cake and frosting. You might have better luck making it yourself.
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2011-05-27 19:38:00
Middle East and North AfricaMENA Spouses Poll
Morocco
Male
No
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2011-01-24 11:36:00
Middle East and North Africaoldies but goodies?
We're also in the Twin Cities and have been married for almost 4 years together for 5. Love my husband more every day!
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2011-06-02 09:31:00
Middle East and North AfricaMoroccan MENA members!!!
Name: Laura
Where you're from: Minnesota
SO's name: Mohamed Ali
Where they are from in Morocco: Tetouan
Anything else you want to add: My husband is learning to make harira for me as we speak smile.gif

New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-04-17 16:29:00
Middle East and North AfricaEager to learn Arabic - speaking and writing
I would purchase both levels of Rosetta Stone for Arabic. It will teach you classical Arabic which should allow you to at least be functional in the regional dialects.
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2011-08-10 09:12:00
Middle East and North AfricaCombating the "yo mama don't live here" issue

Today I overhauled most of the apartment myself. I figured giving him a clean house to start with might help. He seems to be getting that this issue isn't going anywhere. The last thing he wants to happen is for me to go get some wine and let all this frustration simmer. So he's being agreeable to pulling some more weight. I'll let ya'll know how it works out :wacko:



I think your man wants you happy :) and I'm glad for you that you were able to have a conversation with him and that the issue seems to be resolved. Remember, just like anything else it will go up and down and you may need to have another conversation to get back on track.

I think it was a good choice to avoid the passive-aggressive route and talk to him about it. Because of the amount of time we spent apart during the CR-1 process my husband and I had developed such amazing communication skills. I would hate to forget I have those skills and not resolve issues, whether they be dishes or anything else, by using those skills. I believe in the long run, if you go down the passive-aggressive road you may manipulate your partner into doing what you want, but wouldn't you rather they understand what the problem is and what they can do better? I know for me personally, if I was doing something that bothered my husband I would rather he speak to me about it instead of not bringing home dinner for me.
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2011-06-29 21:07:00
Middle East and North AfricaCombating the "yo mama don't live here" issue
My husband never had to do housework because he was out working 70 hour weeks. When he came here and didn't help with the housework right away it wasn't because he believed it was "women's work" it was because he didn't know how to vacuum, dust, clean a bathroom, start a dishwasher, he never owned a washing machine, he never owned an oven. This was all new to him. He didn't know that to keep a clean house you need to do all of the cleaning at least once a week if not more and that we do a big spring cleaning push. He didn't know that we need to change the filters in the furnace/air conditioner or that you should clean the inside of the windows too.

He never had to be aware of something on the floor or mopping or sweeping so why would he magically become aware of these things? It helped when I sat down and explained all that goes into taking care of the house and what we need to do together to make sure it gets done. When he's busy with school and work I pick up his slack now, when I'm busy with school and work he picks up my slack. He needs to understand what you're asking of him. From what I've heard of Squeeky's husband, I don't think it's a "women's work" issue. I think he just doesn't think about it. Be calm, talk to him, understand that it won't just change over night. Like on the movie The Break-Up, why would people *want* to do dishes, yes we want them to want to help out, but the reality is I don't like doing the dishes, why should he want to do them?

You need to approach this situation with the mentality of teamwork and you will see you get more accomplished.
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2011-06-29 10:42:00
Middle East and North AfricaCombating the "yo mama don't live here" issue
I don't buy that whole "he's from a country where women do the housework" stuff, he's an adult and he has responsibilities. I would sit down and have a calm, frank, discussion with him. I would lay out all the chores that need to be done around the house and split them up. He can't be expected to be home, take care of the child, and do all of the housework. And you can't be expected to work 2 jobs and do all of the housework.

When my husband came here he was used to working 70+ hour weeks and had a mother and sister who stayed home. Obviously they did the cooking and cleaning. For the 2 months that he was unable to work I would get frustrated when the dishes weren't done and all he had been doing for the day was watching tv. We sat down, I listed out everything that needs to be done around the house, the frequency it should be happening and we decided who will be responsible for what.

When I'm feeling overwhelmed with work, I'm a tax analyst at a very large company and work 60-80 hour weeks when I'm busy, I let him know. I will come home and immediately say, the dishes need to be done and I really can't handle doing them right now, please help me. I think you also need to start being honest with him about this stuff. No matter where people are from, there are some people who notice and pay attention to housework and there are some who don't. My brother is one who doesn't even notice when the house needs to be picked up and he's American. If you hold these things in until you explode you are at fault too. Be honest about your feelings when you're feeling them, he'll probably respond better if you are calm and not upset when you talk to him.
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2011-06-29 09:00:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionRemoving conditions interview: applying after divorce
I'm in the same kind of boat, except my divorce was not amicable! I gave him everything he wanted...but the divorce happened because of an abusive situation and I'm pretty much 100% sure he went to USCIS afterward trying to get me into trouble. Revenge, as it were, to try to get back at me for leaving him. I'm totally expecting an interview. I'm glad I got him on tape during one of his shouting tirades and beating up the dog. I have a restraining order (that was later revoked - not enough evidence to keep it going, though of course I had the evidence in my hand and didn't hand it over because I was so beaten down by then...) documented against him that lasted 30 days back in 2007. He has multiple DUI's, one of which I turned him in for (blew a .209 after 3 hours at the police station) and a bad reputation. I've no idea where he is now...he doesn't live in town any more. The last time I saw him was driving past his Dad's house and seeing him on the steps smoking a cigarette. The last time I spoke to him was on the phone back in about February or so. His new GF (now ex GF...) had his baby this year and he left threatening messages on her voicemail about her and the baby, apparently.

Altogether not a nice guy! I bet I'll be interviewed, since I'm not filing with my ex and there was abuse involved. I don't know. I suppose I'm ready for anything though and for God's sakes, I left him for a good reason. I would hope trying to preserve my life would be good enough. But I suppose we'll have to wait and see...
JayJayFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-11-17 11:40:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionDocument Checklist

Hi Everyone! Hope this finds you all well.

I wanted to run our list of documents that we will be sending in to see if anyone had any other suggestions or ideas for us.

  • Lease from our first apartment
  • [Lease from our new apartment
  • Renewal of lease for our apartment
  • Car Title with both our names on it
  • Checking/Savings/loan from our bank with both names on it
  • Financial aid letters for each of us sent to the same address
  • Statement showing he's covered under my medical insurance
  • 401k beneficiary statement showing him as beneficiary
  • Utility bills from both addresses addressed to us both
  • 2 cars insured and renters insurance in both our names
  • Cards addressed to both of us at both addresses
  • Plane tickets showing our trip to Morocco together
  • Pictures of us with my family and his family
  • Pictures of a vacation we took to Montana
  • Pictures of us together around town and special occassions
  • 4 Affidavits from friends/family

How does this list sound? We don't have kids or own a home together, but I tried to make this as complete as possible. Thank you, everyone, for your advice!


Oh, and joint tax returns!
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2011-03-15 10:51:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionDocument Checklist
Hi Everyone! Hope this finds you all well.

I wanted to run our list of documents that we will be sending in to see if anyone had any other suggestions or ideas for us.
  • Lease from our first apartment
  • [Lease from our new apartment
  • Renewal of lease for our apartment
  • Car Title with both our names on it
  • Checking/Savings/loan from our bank with both names on it
  • Financial aid letters for each of us sent to the same address
  • Statement showing he's covered under my medical insurance
  • 401k beneficiary statement showing him as beneficiary
  • Utility bills from both addresses addressed to us both
  • 2 cars insured and renters insurance in both our names
  • Cards addressed to both of us at both addresses
  • Plane tickets showing our trip to Morocco together
  • Pictures of us with my family and his family
  • Pictures of a vacation we took to Montana
  • Pictures of us together around town and special occassions
  • 4 Affidavits from friends/family

How does this list sound? We don't have kids or own a home together, but I tried to make this as complete as possible. Thank you, everyone, for your advice!
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2011-03-15 10:36:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionTiming Question
My understanding is that the USCIS would not be impacted by a shutdown because they are self-funded. So definitely still send yours in. I don't think it matters if you send it two weeks after your 90 day window opens as long as it's within 90 days until the expiration date.
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2011-04-07 15:40:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionI sent off my I751 papers.
I am sorry for what you're going through. It definitely sounds like you're having a hard time. Just to offer some advice, try to not to hold the work that you did to bring him to the US over his head. I know it's easy for women to look back at all the work that we do, whether it's cleaning or cooking or whatever and sometimes "count" those things in our relationships. He also needs to check himself and remember that you are first his wife. He should love and respect you and never try to be cruel. I hope that you guys can work things out. Also, I don't think the government expects people to just be happy; I think they expect people to have problems just like every other married couple out there.

I hope you have a strong support group of friends and family to help you through this time. If you don't, remember we're always here to listen and support you when you need it. I can tell that you're a very forgiving person and that is a fantastic quality to have!
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2011-04-13 21:28:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionDifferent atm card Numbers!
You don't need to show your ATM cards unless you want to prove they're from the same bank. I just had our bank print out our account records that showed that we were joint on everything.
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2011-06-28 15:16:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionHELP! Recieved I-797 Notice
Bank statements showing joint accounts, affidavits, club memberships (costco/sams), photos...
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2011-06-30 14:46:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionI-751 - Affidavit?
We included 4 affidavits along with a lot of evidence. I am sure we included too much proof but I would rather include too much than worry about an RFE.
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2011-07-06 16:19:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionBiometrics appt received-now what to expect?
It should have arrived separately. We received the NOA1 and then a couple weeks later received the biometrics appointment letter.
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2011-07-12 13:32:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionI-751 March 2011 Filers
It seems like the majority of people are not called for an interview.
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2011-07-07 14:42:00