biggish data

Would you leave?

QUOTE (Ganja_Girl @ Mar 14 2008, 10:53 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I am going to have to side with wahrania on this one, yea, I just keep my eyes open and you know, don't be an idiot. Would I dump him, I would hope I would, but you know things are, sometimes if I say I am going to leave quick, I will end up staying. When 9/11 happened I swore I hated Arabs, now I am married to one.

So I am always careful to never say never.

Or as my grandmother always used to say,"Never spit up in the air,because it always comes back to hit you in the face."

panamania79

Female

Panama

2008-03-15 01:29:00

American's view on Islam

QUOTE (sarahaziz @ Feb 26 2008, 12:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I found this on the net and it was written by a Muslim man from The middle east discussing marriage between Christians/Muslims. Since I've seen this is a touchy subject among everyone I'm not disclosing the Country this man is from as I hope this to be a clean discussion and not to offend anybody.

"Hello, there is not alot to gettting married in the mosque. There is the nikah(marraige contract) this can be short or long, but it must contain the maher (dowry) and the names of the bride/groom/witnesses. U dont even have to be in the same room, the 2 witnesses will ask if u consent, then tell the person writing the contract that you do and thats it. Now there can be several things in the contract, such as where u will live, if he gives u the right of divorce, etc etc. Just google 'nikah' or 'islamic marriage contract' and it will give u a more detailed explanation. The whole thing takes less than 15 minutes, a short sermon is read and thats it. The best advice indeed is going to speak to the imam.

Now I must point out that he cannot take part in a christian religious ceremony....he should know this,. but (no offense) he doesnt sound exactly like a practicing muslim. BUT he cant do this as it is imitation of another religion, and we are aboslutely forbidden to do this. Also we do not take vows of marriage. Marriage is a contract. We dont say till death do us part, cause we never know, we dont say forsaking all others, cause we can marry more than one...etc etc. Hope all this helps. Peace

PS, some mosques do not allow univited non muslims, I dont think u will have any problem whatsoever. the marriage is generally not conducted in the musalla (prayer area) it is usually done in a adjacent room, which is therefore technically not the mosque. Dont worry.

Ok, I got married to one of my wives at the justice of the peace...courthouse...the problem is they read the standard marriage vows, now it has changed for muslims, alhamdulillah...and u just need 2 witnesses. As for non denominationa;, if there is no religion, then whats the point? I mean are u trying to do something to satisfy family? Just bring them to the mosque marriage. As long as they dress appropriately there should be no problem. I did this In *** and had a *** couple attend that my wife"

................................................................................
................................................................

My question to every woman/man in the MENA forum how do you feel about the differences b/t the religons? For women a husband can Swear before God he won't marry more than one but in his heart he knows in the quran it accepts him to marry up to 4 if he actually desired to do that. How do the MENA men and women feel about no vows being presented in the marriage if you married 100% islamically? Does everyone accept the kids to follow Islam because of the quran presents the muslim woman or man with that right? I read the quran recently and sat down with my cousin who is an extremely religious muslim and he explained that if a man was restricted from marriage because he was say handicapped, mentally ill, or a man who didn't have enough money to marry, he never looked at women in his life, remained a virgin until death, etc.. He would receive 40 virgins after death as a reward for remaining clean in life no exactly in a sexually way but if he wanted something in heaven he would have 40 maidens. Also in some cases if a man needs sexual relations with a woman he is allowed to "make a contract" with another woman and accept her as a wife for a short period of time and they are "annulled" afterwards. How does everyone who has converted from another religion or pending on converting feel about the differences?

I try not to judge people and respect everyone else's point of view even though it may not coincide with mine.But Islam is a bit confusing to me so I really cannot form an opinion until I can understand it better.For example some people say that men can have more than one wife,and some say they cannot.If they can,fine.If not,that's okay too.But which one is it ?

panamania79

Female

Panama

2008-03-09 03:58:00

A great post by SARAAZIZ

QUOTE (just_Jackie @ Mar 17 2008, 06:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Wish I could have back the 3 minutes I wasted reading this.

jJ

Me too.

panamania79

Female

Panama

2008-03-19 14:34:00

Laila ......set in Paris

QUOTE (sereia @ Mar 23 2008, 01:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

wow. he is HOT, HOT, HOTTTTTTTTTTTTttttttttttttt!

of course i dig the jew/muslim sexy thing going on too. hehe

not to mention the awesome khaled songs they played!

thanks for sharing.

Salim is SMOKIN' HOT !

panamania79

Female

Panama

2008-03-23 18:11:00

Laila ......set in Paris

QUOTE (wahrania @ Mar 22 2008, 07:33 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

What's Salim's phone number ?

panamania79

Female

Panama

2008-03-23 12:58:00

When he comes...

QUOTE (sarahaziz @ Apr 4 2008, 01:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

What did everybody on here stock up on or what special things did you guys get for your Spouses before they came? I want my spouse to come here and have things ready for him how he had them ready when i came. It's a nice feeling when you have alot of new stuff waiting for you. I just don't know where to start!

I don't know what "american" snacks to stock up on that would fit his old man taste! He likes the most weird foods. Any suggestions?

Did anybody buy their spouses clothing?
Jewelry? A new Wedding band? a watch?
Shoes? Boxers? Pajamas?

Any ideas what to have ready for him? I'm clueless when it comes to shopping for men

How did/do you guys have the room ready for them?

So far,I bought him some AXE bodywash and deodorant,a heavy sweatshirt (I know he'll think it's freezing here).I didn't bother buying any jeans for him because he gained weight this year.He is already wearing the watch and chain I brought him last year.I'll worry about the rest of that stuff when he gets here.

panamania79

Female

Panama

2008-04-04 13:46:00

Pets and middle eastern spouses

QUOTE (charlesandnessa @ Apr 13 2008, 06:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (panamania79 @ Apr 13 2008, 05:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Alex+R @ Apr 13 2008, 05:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Giving up your dog or cat for a man?

What did your pet ever do to you to deserve being dumped?

Really.I had a friend who just dumped her poor cats at the pound because "my Mario hates cats."

she shoulda dumped mario instead

I KNOW ! Especially since my ex-husband is named Mario.And guess what,they ended up getting a divorce,so she should have kept the cats.

panamania79

Female

Panama

2008-04-13 18:36:00

Pets and middle eastern spouses

QUOTE (Alex+R @ Apr 13 2008, 05:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Giving up your dog or cat for a man?

What did your pet ever do to you to deserve being dumped?

Really.I had a friend who just dumped her poor cats at the pound because "my Mario hates cats."

panamania79

Female

Panama

2008-04-13 17:55:00

Pets and middle eastern spouses

QUOTE (S and S @ Apr 12 2008, 11:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I am just curious, but do any of you have pets and you had to convince your spouse that it is okay to keep them in the house? I had to go look for fatwas to convince my husband it was Islamically permissable to keep a cat in the house, but thank God I proved it to him. Though he is still unsure about the idea, he has come around a lot since the beginning. I convinced him I could not survive the lonliness if I didn't at least have a pet for this long wait until he comes. Really, having a pet does help a lot, at least for me. Not sure why, but many middle eastern people do not like to let their pets live in the house, though some will have pets. My husband was shocked by all the amenities we have for pets. He joked that our pets have it better than the Iraqis do.

Just wondering what everyone else's opinion is.

Latin Americans are like that also,not just Middle Easterns.I won't get another dog because two of mine died and I was bawling

just as if they were people who died.But my fiance wants a Rottweiler and thinks he can keep it outside.Oh well,that's what HE thinks.

panamania79

Female

Panama

2008-04-13 12:16:00

opinion .Do you think it helps or hurts Mena girls when we post our drama on here about our relationships with our men?

QUOTE (wahrania @ Apr 17 2008, 04:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Well we finally after 3 airline ticket changes found a ticket that works with his transit visa and its not as long out.

Do you benefit from people being honest about their relationships with their mena husbands?

I fight with mine alot and I dont have the harmonious make up sessions some others do.I stay pissed (sometimes with really good reason)

I think I get pissed when people say all kind of scary stuff get everyone in mena all riled up then dont take any advice then come back and say the things never happened. I personally took alot of the advice Amal and other people had to give. Especially jpaula. But I am not going to sugar coat it.I have been pissed as hell at my husband for delaying 2 months getting her to see his mom although its understandable and he needs the visit.
I get pissed at him because of misunderstandings.Im glad I can come here and talk about stuff...

I get some extra entertainment.

panamania79

Female

Panama

2008-05-22 17:36:00

What is the stupidest thing you have heard because your with a MENA SO ?

QUOTE (Y_habibitk @ Dec 22 2008, 04:52 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (antiwaiting @ Dec 22 2008, 04:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

so, Lisa, r u going to wear that thing on yr head?

enjoy life,
Andreea

QUOTE (Nawal @ Dec 22 2008, 04:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (antiwaiting @ Dec 22 2008, 02:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

so, Lisa, r u going to wear that thing on yr head?

enjoy life,
Andreea

Okay...don't laugh at me...

I swear I saw Courtney's photo and saw her hubby's hand on her head...then I read Lisa's comment about wearing that thing on her head! (okay so i completely forgot the title of the post). I was thinking...why would she ask that!

Then I realized DUH...Sorry, Blonde moment!

you're so silly!

oh oh oh, how can I forget this one?!!?!

"have you seen that movie, not without my daughter?"

I used to date a guy from Lebanon and I tink everyone I knew mentioned that movie and told me he was going to make me wear curtains.

panamania79

Female

Panama

2009-01-07 22:25:00

When WIll VSC approve spouse petitions???

QUOTE (reehon @ Jul 28 2008, 11:19 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Everyday, "CASE RECEIVED AND PENDING" that's all i see with the ancient touch 2/24.

I'm sick, tired, and frustrated of theis USCIS/VSC. ALL SUCKS!!!!

When will they give us our NOA2s????

I hate the wait. I can't focus on anything else. It torturing.

The VSC does suck,they move like turtles !

panamania79

Female

Panama

2008-07-28 15:20:00

US Embassy in Panama wants to see me

QUOTE (STO @ Jun 13 2008, 12:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

My I-130 was approved for my wife who is Panamanian living in panama. She went for her interview last week and after
the interview they asked for some more paperworkl. My tax papers for 2007, some plane ticket receipts and some phone bills.
We have been married for over a year. Anyway the next day she returned to the Embassy and brought them the additional
paperwork. The kept her passport and said they would call her. After 4 days they called her and told her that I have to be
at the US Embassy in Panama on July 2.

Has this happen to anyone else?
I have to take off work and go to the US Embassy in Panama for an interview. I am a US Citizen

Make sure you get some kind of documentation from them that you were there.I went there for ann interview and to submit my fiance"s waiver and now,they claim they have no record of me even being there.

Luckily enough,I kept the appointment letter they gave me.

panamania79

Female

Panama

2008-09-10 19:43:00

What is the difference between the CR-1 and K visa ?

I'm just curious.

panamania79

Female

Panama

2008-09-17 19:06:00

No tracking numer? What if its lost???

QUOTE (FruitBodyWash @ Jan 7 2008, 06:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

SO.....i didn't know about this site till today, or i would have followed some advice I've seen, but... i didn't get a tracking number for my application.... so I don't even know if they recieved it or not..... if you were me.... would you just try and send it again on the off chance that it didn't even make it in the first place? I sent mine sept 4th, and I know that a lot of people who filed to the VSC after me have already received their reciept notices..... Any advice?

You should have received something by now.Try calling the customer service 1-800 number or visit your local field office with an Infopass.

panamania79

Female

Panama

2008-01-07 18:33:00

Letters from USCIS

Yesterday,Ireceived a letter from USCIS stating that it will take them another 60 days to decide on my case.Since I really don't trust them,what happens if they do not make a decision in this time frame ? What are my options at that point ?

panamania79

Female

Panama

2008-01-13 08:44:00

Letters to USCIS

QUOTE (ace3 @ Jan 13 2008, 10:52 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

they might expedite your case if you have a valid reason and if you are a us citizen, you can ask help from your senator just like my husband did.

I have already asked my congressman for help.What would be considered a valid reason ?

panamania79

Female

Panama

2008-01-14 01:27:00

Letters to USCIS

QUOTE (chilton747 @ Jan 13 2008, 05:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The USCIS moves at their own pace. There is absolutely nothing anyone can do to make them move any faster. Try to relax and good luck

I can tell.Thank you.I wish you the best of luck also.

panamania79

Female

Panama

2008-01-13 18:08:00

Letters to USCIS

I was just wondering if I wrote them a letter if it would help them move a little bit.Has anyone else written them ? And if so,what were the results ?

panamania79

Female

Panama

2008-01-13 17:38:00

Hardship papers

QUOTE (rjp44 @ Jan 14 2008, 08:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (panamania79 @ Jan 14 2008, 07:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (YuAndDan @ Jan 14 2008, 06:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Are you now doing a spousal IR-1/CR-1 immigrant visa by filing I-130? You posted in the IR-1/CR-1 forum, but your timeline and profile shows K-1.

USCIS has been known to expedite only in cases where US citizen is in military and is being deployed over-seas.

No.I opted for the I-129f because my attorney advised me that this would be quicker than the I-130.As I can see,the I-129f takes forever also.

Another overpaid attorney......LOL. The only way you'll get expidited is to be active US military being deployed or an extreme medical emergency.

Tell me about it.It was worth a try,right ?

panamania79

Female

Panama

2008-01-14 23:35:00

Hardship papers

QUOTE (YuAndDan @ Jan 14 2008, 06:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

No.I opted for the I-129f because my attorney advised me that this would be quicker than the I-130.As I can see,the I-129f takes forever also.

panamania79

Female

Panama

2008-01-14 19:03:00

Hardship papers

I was wondering about these.I heard about them some time ago.Do they work to expedite a case at all ? HAs anyone done them and gotten results.

panamania79

Female

Panama

2008-01-14 18:03:00

USCIS Customer Service

I just called them to ask why I keep receiving e-mails yet no case status information.For the 2,000th time,they told me "I don't know." All I know is if I ever said this to a customer back in the day when I worked as a customer service rep. in retail,I would have gotten a warning or written up.I just can't beleive they can get away with telling people "I don't know."

panamania79

Female

Panama

2008-01-16 11:14:00

7 months with no response.

QUOTE (Angie Y Shane @ Dec 27 2007, 10:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I got news today from my local congressman. I do not know if this is the excuse of USCIS or really the truth. My congressman said today that he got a message that we are stuck in further background checks or further checks as needed. What this means I do not know? But my guess it means really nothing but the same thing as what I thought they were already doing. "meaning making a reason to buy more time?"

I already sent out my request to my local Senator. I had to fill out some private act form. I sent my form and letter like this. See attachment.

as for my wife she is NUMB and drained. I'm going to fight to the end until I cannot fight no more. I have gave my wife the option on what she wants me to do. She said let's have faith in God and try until February to see if anything changes. If not Wow I need my battery charged and just pray to God for a sign what to do?

I have two little boys that I raise on my own. Relocating our family to South America will be more then a challenge. I will keep everyone posted.

Suerte y que Dios te bendiga (Good luck and God bless you).

panamania79

Female

Panama

2008-01-16 18:27:00

7 months with no response.

QUOTE (Angie Y Shane @ Dec 22 2007, 08:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I need others feedback and help. My case has been pending for seven months now with no approval, denial or RFI. Every time I call I get BS stories about my case not being 6 months of business days, or some other excuse. I have finally came to the since that they have lost my case.

I contacted my local Congressman Peter Defazzio and they sent a e-mail to California Service Center. This was about a week ago no response yet.

I called USCIS Thursday and made a request for a service expedite on my case. The officer on the phone was trying to give me some BS excuse that I have to wait 30 days outside of the 6-month processing time. I called them on the 7th month from my petition being received May 19, 2007. I called them December 19, 2007 and had to argued with three different officers and one supervisor to get them to start a expedite service. I called them out on their BS excuses.

I’m at the point to just pack up and move to Colombia with my wife. But I know that it will be very challenging if I do. But my wife is very much feeling the same as me.
So my self and my wife have decided to give it until February to see some sort of decision or change. If not well then my Visa friends I have to pull out. I do not understand what is going on with these people at USCIS. But they have their ways of trying to wreak marriages.

God bless you all and please feel free to send your helpful replies. My wife is already showing signs of weakness from this process of waiting. I’m afraid to lose her. Our attorney suggested that I should take a break and go down there for one month to strengthen things up? My wife feels the same; we need energy and positive strength here.

God bless every one.

I have been waiting for nine months with no response.I have called customer service,called my congresman,and written letters myself,and nothing.I ,just like you am ready to go to Panama and forgetabouit !

panamania79

Female

Panama

2008-01-16 18:01:00

QUOTE (Paula&Minya @ Jan 16 2008, 08:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (panamania79 @ Jan 16 2008, 06:39 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Paula&Minya @ Jan 16 2008, 07:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

USCIS will issue an RFE if they feel some portion of your petition is missing, or requires further evidentiary proof. You will receive a letter in the mail w/ instructions, and processing will stop on your case until you sent to them what it is they request. I believe there is also a timeframe(90 days, I think) in which you must complyl w/ the RFE or your petition will be considered "abandoned" and they will reject it.

-P

They never asked me for more evidence,they are just taking forever

Have you thought about perhaps getting congressional involvement? Your NOA1 is beyond the processing dates listed on the VSC Processing dates as listed on the USCIS website(June 18th for I-129Fs). Your wait is nearing the 6 month mark since NOA1...perhaps if you don't hear anything within the next couple of weeks, it may be worth a try to get your congressman or senator involved.

Good luck,
-P

I have already gotten my congressman involved,thank you for your advice just the same.

panamania79

Female

Panama

2008-01-17 01:20:00

QUOTE (Paula&Minya @ Jan 16 2008, 07:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

They never asked me for more evidence,they are just taking forever

panamania79

Female

Panama

2008-01-16 19:39:00

QUOTE (Roy and Yazi @ Jan 16 2008, 06:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (panamania79 @ Jan 16 2008, 03:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Roy and Yazi @ Jan 16 2008, 06:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Request for Evidence

Thanks.Is that pig taking a nap ?

a very long nap

It kind of reminds me of a Hawaain Luau.Is it similar to one ?
Does USCIS ask for RFE or do you just sen it to them ? I've never been asked for any.

panamania79

Female

Panama

2008-01-16 19:15:00

QUOTE (Roy and Yazi @ Jan 16 2008, 06:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Request for Evidence

Thanks.Is that pig taking a nap ?

panamania79

Female

Panama

2008-01-16 18:21:00

I have seen this but I don't really know what it is.

panamania79

Female

Panama

2008-01-16 18:14:00

In four months it will be a year.

QUOTE (panamania79 @ Jan 16 2008, 05:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The way it's going now,I still haven't received the NOA2.So what happens if a year goes by and they still haven't made a decision.What could I do in that instance?

I called USCIS and asked them this question and guess what they told me ? "Oh,you just have to wait."

panamania79

Female

Panama

2008-01-17 10:08:00

In four months it will be a year.

The way it's going now,I still haven't received the NOA2.So what happens if a year goes by and they still haven't made a decision.What could I do in that instance?

panamania79

Female

Panama

2008-01-16 17:53:00

Relocating to fiance's country.

I'm at the point now like I've really had it.For awhile I have been considering just going back to Panama.Would my I-129f be null and void if I did this ?

panamania79

Female

Panama

2008-01-17 01:27:00

When checking case status on line

QUOTE (SusieK @ Jan 18 2008, 06:16 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Arlington @ Jan 17 2008, 09:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

This from the USCIS website posted today:

=========================================================
Q : I received my receipt notice, but when I check my case online it does not appear. How do I get my case added to the system so I can check its progress?

A : USCIS had an unprecedented number of applications filed over the summer. Our efforts to enter these applications into our systems have caused a delay in the transfer of information from our case control system to the Case Status Online system. We are experiencing delays of up to 3 to 4 weeks between receipting your application and its status being available www.uscis.gov. If you have additional questions after your information is available on Case Status Online, please call the National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283.

http://www.uscis.gov...5jan08_FAQs.pdf

Arlington,

Not that is making a big dent in my insane mind right now, but gotta laugh, 3-4 weeks ummmm sure ok, let me check in another month, that should be about time they get around to it. But have heard that peopel just get their NOA2 without even getting their information into the system, so I guess at this point, or really, at any point, just take what they say with a grain of pepper and see. What else can ya do besides our normal ranting and raving and sending letters off.

I really think it will be more important when the NOA2 process comes up for any RFE's etec., but hey, who knows with this Motley Crew anymore what they are truly doing......they are swamped, they admit it, and until the backlog gets cleared up, I think we will have to adjust to their misinformation and try to use VJ as a more reliable source, OH WAIT, I already do that

I have found VJ to be way more helpful than those dweebs at customer service.

panamania79

Female

Panama

2008-01-18 11:42:00

When checking case status on line

QUOTE (YuAndDan @ Jan 17 2008, 06:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

If you filed recently it may be that USCIS has not entered into their online status system, or it may be that the system may be down ab the moment.

I filed in May,2007.Maybe they got sick of me bothering them and deleted it.

panamania79

Female

Panama

2008-01-17 18:37:00

When checking case status on line

What does it mean when the computer says it has no information about your case ?

panamania79

Female

Panama

2008-01-17 18:33:00

QUOTE (ZeeNusah @ Jan 18 2008, 03:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

My fiance and I steered clear from any immigration talk. When I submitted the initial petition he said "Don't tewll me anything about it until we get appproved". Of course, he comes onto VJ and when there was the slow down with May petitions he started getting agitated and I said "Honey, you said you did not want to talk about this". So we didn't, until we got approved.

Thank you.Not talking about it is difficult since both of us thought he would be here already.

panamania79

Female

Panama

2008-01-18 19:06:00

QUOTE (trailmix @ Jan 18 2008, 03:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Just tell him to be NICE to you, you are already having a hard enough time dealing with USCIS

I will.lol

Thanks.

panamania79

Female

Panama

2008-01-18 18:37:00

QUOTE (Paula&Minya @ Jan 18 2008, 01:52 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Tell him there is no such thing as Utopia. Government bureaucracy is the same everywhere...mierda es mierda, no importa en que pais se encuentra.

Bien dicho ! Como el piensa que aca en los EEUU todo es color de rosa,hay arboles de billete de 20,y que todos somos ricos,eso es lo que nos pasa aveces.Since one of his classmates from high school got married and was in the USA in a matter of 2 months,and he has been sitting there waiting for 8,that's why he gets an attitude.

panamania79

Female

Panama

2008-01-18 15:07:00