K1 visa denied Cairo

[Tunisia216 2]

Something tells me with the way this CO is going he might actually approve a petition with that on it

Provide proof on the orgy marriage not being recognized, religion, sponsorship any and everything.

I believe that is a typo. But it made me laugh.

[jpaula 20]

I am of little help re: Cairo as I went through Algiers which is a much easier Consulate. But, I am a Jewish woman married to a Muslim man and so I at least want to voice my support and outrage. We addressed religion in our original petition and had many letters from family and friends. It was easy for us to write strongly about it as it was something we had talked about extensively before marrying (and continue to talk about four years into our marriage). It was not mentioned in our interview and has not come up at any part of the process. Had it, I would have been furious and had our Congressman on the case immediately. Now, our case is different in that we met and married in the US where such things are not as odd and I was living in Algeria at the time we applied which made it very dificult to doubt the validity of our relationship. Still, while it mignt put a higher burden of proof on your case only because it is something unusual in Egyptian culture, visa issuance follows US law and denying based on religion is not OK. I am going to guess that they never stated this as the reason nor will they. They may be running in circles trying to find other reasons and, to be honest, the Orfi issue may stick. But, I hope you have a Congressperson on your side and that they are willing to press the issue.

I guess all of that is just to say that there are other Jewish/Muslim couples out there and that some of us have strong happy marriages. I wish the same for you.

[doodlebugg 10]

I am of little help re: Cairo as I went through Algiers which is a much easier Consulate. But, I am a Jewish woman married to a Muslim man and so I at least want to voice my support and outrage. We addressed religion in our original petition and had many letters from family and friends. It was easy for us to write strongly about it as it was something we had talked about extensively before marrying (and continue to talk about four years into our marriage). It was not mentioned in our interview and has not come up at any part of the process. Had it, I would have been furious and had our Congressman on the case immediately. Now, our case is different in that we met and married in the US where such things are not as odd and I was living in Algeria at the time we applied which made it very dificult to doubt the validity of our relationship. Still, while it mignt put a higher burden of proof on your case only because it is something unusual in Egyptian culture, visa issuance follows US law and denying based on religion is not OK. I am going to guess that they never stated this as the reason nor will they. They may be running in circles trying to find other reasons and, to be honest, the Orfi issue may stick. But, I hope you have a Congressperson on your side and that they are willing to press the issue.

I guess all of that is just to say that there are other Jewish/Muslim couples out there and that some of us have strong happy marriages. I wish the same for you.

[lion_lioness 0]

Provide proof on the orgy marriage not being recognized, religion, sponsorship any and everything.

I believe that is a typo. But it made me laugh.

I hope the OP gets to the bottom of this and everything works out for you.

YIKES I'm sooooo sorry about that. I'm usually queen of spellcheck - that's what I get for multi-tasking at work. I'm so sorry for the ugly typo.

I would just like to see action taken for this couple asap. I feel really bad. Especially having a child involved who very much deserves to have his father here in his life.

Sorry again

[Tunisia216 2]

I don't think any sorry is needed... maybe it was just a small smile in the middle of something that is truly heartbreaking.

I definitely do agree and I can not see how if DNA results were provided they could deny the validity of this relationship!!!

Provide proof on the orgy marriage not being recognized, religion, sponsorship any and everything.

I believe that is a typo. But it made me laugh.

I hope the OP gets to the bottom of this and everything works out for you.

YIKES I'm sooooo sorry about that. I'm usually queen of spellcheck - that's what I get for multi-tasking at work. I'm so sorry for the ugly typo.

I would just like to see action taken for this couple asap. I feel really bad. Especially having a child involved who very much deserves to have his father here in his life.

Sorry again

[lion_lioness 0]

I am of little help re: Cairo as I went through Algiers which is a much easier Consulate. But, I am a Jewish woman married to a Muslim man and so I at least want to voice my support and outrage. We addressed religion in our original petition and had many letters from family and friends. It was easy for us to write strongly about it as it was something we had talked about extensively before marrying (and continue to talk about four years into our marriage). It was not mentioned in our interview and has not come up at any part of the process. Had it, I would have been furious and had our Congressman on the case immediately. Now, our case is different in that we met and married in the US where such things are not as odd and I was living in Algeria at the time we applied which made it very dificult to doubt the validity of our relationship. Still, while it mignt put a higher burden of proof on your case only because it is something unusual in Egyptian culture, visa issuance follows US law and denying based on religion is not OK. I am going to guess that they never stated this as the reason nor will they. They may be running in circles trying to find other reasons and, to be honest, the Orfi issue may stick. But, I hope you have a Congressperson on your side and that they are willing to press the issue.

I guess all of that is just to say that there are other Jewish/Muslim couples out there and that some of us have strong happy marriages. I wish the same for you.

JPaula, that is a great point (of having addressed prior to the interview). That was a huge piece of advice some of the older vj'ers in mena would give newbies. 'ADDRESS ANY POSSIBLE RED FLAGS IN YOUR ORIGINAL PETITION.' If addressed at that level and approved here at USCIS, it gives the interviewing officer a heavier task to deny if it's already been "brought up" and approved anyway.

[morocco4ever 63]

I don't think any sorry is needed... maybe it was just a small smile in the middle of something that is truly heartbreaking.

I definitely do agree and I can not see how if DNA results were provided they could deny the validity of this relationship!!!

Provide proof on the orgy marriage not being recognized, religion, sponsorship any and everything.

I believe that is a typo. But it made me laugh.

I hope the OP gets to the bottom of this and everything works out for you.

YIKES I'm sooooo sorry about that. I'm usually queen of spellcheck - that's what I get for multi-tasking at work. I'm so sorry for the ugly typo.

I would just like to see action taken for this couple asap. I feel really bad. Especially having a child involved who very much deserves to have his father here in his life.

Sorry again

DNA results does not prove a valid relationship. It only proves they had sex. The CO is looking for fraud. In the CO's mind he is using her for a green card, therefore sex would have to be a part of the act. It truly sounds like his suspicions are based on the Jewish/Muslim relationship. They don't need a lot of reasons to deny a case, and I can see them denying it based on this. It's wrong, but it is done.

We had a group of us that had been denied out of Casablanca, and one of the couples had a CO that told them that "she would be surprised at the amount of petitions that never come back to them". So I believe that they simply deny based on what seems odd to them, knowing that if it is fraud they will drop the case, and if it goes the distance they will reaffirm the petition and it will be sent back. No skin off their noses, just more work for the USCIS and a nightmare for the couple.

If this IS sent back, and if it does expire I would go back and get married, file the I-130 (they take these more serious), and in the I-130 application I would write the USCIS a letter explaining everything about the religious difference, why they married anyway, proof that a Muslim is indeed allowed to marry a Jewish woman, and tons of letters of support for your relationship from family (both sides) and friends that know you as a couple. I hope it doesn't go that far, but you must be prepared for every possibility.

[Tunisia216 2]

I do not know if it's an option or would prove to be too hard.. But what about living there with him long enough to apply directly at the embassy? Getting married and going the I 130 way as others have said but going through the embassy directly.. Again I don't know about Egypt, but in Tunis if you are living in that country for at least 6 months you have the right to go through the embassy directly and many people found this a much faster route? Anyone know how that works in Egypt? Just trying to put some thoughts out there for her so that they can work it out and be a family!

[punkmada 0]

I do not know if it's an option or would prove to be too hard.. But what about living there with him long enough to apply directly at the embassy? Getting married and going the I 130 way as others have said but going through the embassy directly.. Again I don't know about Egypt, but in Tunis if you are living in that country for at least 6 months you have the right to go through the embassy directly and many people found this a much faster route? Anyone know how that works in Egypt? Just trying to put some thoughts out there for her so that they can work it out and be a family!

Ok, I have searched head to toe all over the internet, there is just no way that the CO could have denied Hamada on Labor Certification, because he is in fact exempt from that category, If I am correct in my research. Can anyone give me any other information on this? I smell a big rat and a lousy old fish somewhere in this, after what was told to our congressman and me that he was being denied due to validity of relationship, then all of a sudden he gets a call to come into the embassy and is given a 221g for labor certification.

[punkmada 0]

I don't think any sorry is needed... maybe it was just a small smile in the middle of something that is truly heartbreaking.

I definitely do agree and I can not see how if DNA results were provided they could deny the validity of this relationship!!!

Provide proof on the orgy marriage not being recognized, religion, sponsorship any and everything.

I believe that is a typo. But it made me laugh.

I hope the OP gets to the bottom of this and everything works out for you.

YIKES I'm sooooo sorry about that. I'm usually queen of spellcheck - that's what I get for multi-tasking at work. I'm so sorry for the ugly typo.

I would just like to see action taken for this couple asap. I feel really bad. Especially having a child involved who very much deserves to have his father here in his life.

Sorry again

DNA results does not prove a valid relationship. It only proves they had sex. The CO is looking for fraud. In the CO's mind he is using her for a green card, therefore sex would have to be a part of the act. It truly sounds like his suspicions are based on the Jewish/Muslim relationship. They don't need a lot of reasons to deny a case, and I can see them denying it based on this. It's wrong, but it is done.

We had a group of us that had been denied out of Casablanca, and one of the couples had a CO that told them that "she would be surprised at the amount of petitions that never come back to them". So I believe that they simply deny based on what seems odd to them, knowing that if it is fraud they will drop the case, and if it goes the distance they will reaffirm the petition and it will be sent back. No skin off their noses, just more work for the USCIS and a nightmare for the couple.

If this IS sent back, and if it does expire I would go back and get married, file the I-130 (they take these more serious), and in the I-130 application I would write the USCIS a letter explaining everything about the religious difference, why they married anyway, proof that a Muslim is indeed allowed to marry a Jewish woman, and tons of letters of support for your relationship from family (both sides) and friends that know you as a couple. I hope it doesn't go that far, but you must be prepared for every possibility.

This petition already expired July21st, his interview was August 3rd. Today he got a letter sent to him by DHL from the embassy and it stated that they are forwarding the petition to USCIS because they do not feel that the relationship is true and valid and they are not going to take any further action until they are notified by USCIS. So, should I be getting packed up and ready to go back to Egypt now? Because from the sound of it, I have no other options.

[Nothing1234 2]

This petition already expired July21st, his interview was August 3rd. Today he got a letter sent to him by DHL from the embassy and it stated that they are forwarding the petition to USCIS because they do not feel that the relationship is true and valid and they are not going to take any further action until they are notified by USCIS. So, should I be getting packed up and ready to go back to Egypt now? Because from the sound of it, I have no other options.

*********************************************

Sure, if you are heading back to get married...then come on home and wait on your petition. However, you have to think of support when you are finally approved and if you head off to Egypt that would be extremely difficult unless both of you planned to live there permanently.

I'm very sorry for the news you guys received but don't give up. As someone else mentioned prior, they will take the marriage petition more seriously and the fact that you would be "reapplying" only means you are NOT giving up and things might move along better for you guys. isA.

Best of luck...let us know what you decide to do.

[punkmada 0]

This petition already expired July21st, his interview was August 3rd. Today he got a letter sent to him by DHL from the embassy and it stated that they are forwarding the petition to USCIS because they do not feel that the relationship is true and valid and they are not going to take any further action until they are notified by USCIS. So, should I be getting packed up and ready to go back to Egypt now? Because from the sound of it, I have no other options.

*********************************************

Sure, if you are heading back to get married...then come on home and wait on your petition. However, you have to think of support when you are finally approved and if you head off to Egypt that would be extremely difficult unless both of you planned to live there permanently.

I'm very sorry for the news you guys received but don't give up. As someone else mentioned prior, they will take the marriage petition more seriously and the fact that you would be "reapplying" only means you are NOT giving up and things might move along better for you guys. isA.

Best of luck...let us know what you decide to do.

Yes, if this is the end of the road for the K1 visa since it expired July 21st and I have been told that once they expire and are sent back they are as good as garbage. Going back to Egypt would mean getting married coming home and filing the petition. I am taking all online classes this semester so I am not worried about them, and my two older children will stay here with grandma, at least Eli will get to see his family. Anyways, I think that if there is nothing much else that my congressman can do I will go ahead over there and make arrangements now. We have been going thru hell since December 2006 and I just want him here and all of this to end. Thanks for your support and quick answer.

[Nothing1234 2]

This petition already expired July21st, his interview was August 3rd. Today he got a letter sent to him by DHL from the embassy and it stated that they are forwarding the petition to USCIS because they do not feel that the relationship is true and valid and they are not going to take any further action until they are notified by USCIS. So, should I be getting packed up and ready to go back to Egypt now? Because from the sound of it, I have no other options.

*********************************************

Sure, if you are heading back to get married...then come on home and wait on your petition. However, you have to think of support when you are finally approved and if you head off to Egypt that would be extremely difficult unless both of you planned to live there permanently.

I'm very sorry for the news you guys received but don't give up. As someone else mentioned prior, they will take the marriage petition more seriously and the fact that you would be "reapplying" only means you are NOT giving up and things might move along better for you guys. isA.

Best of luck...let us know what you decide to do.

Yes, if this is the end of the road for the K1 visa since it expired July 21st and I have been told that once they expire and are sent back they are as good as garbage. Going back to Egypt would mean getting married coming home and filing the petition. I am taking all online classes this semester so I am not worried about them, and my two older children will stay here with grandma, at least Eli will get to see his family. Anyways, I think that if there is nothing much else that my congressman can do I will go ahead over there and make arrangements now. We have been going thru hell since December 2006 and I just want him here and all of this to end. Thanks for your support and quick answer.

Well, trying your congressman is free and leaving to go there is a LOT more...so try till "the fat lady sings" then head over to him. But I would rattle a few cages first then if all else fails...head to Egypt. As you said, perhaps this is for Eli to see his family there...once your honey is here, he can not travel back to Egypt for a while. God has a way of doing things...we don't always see the "why" right away.

[lion_lioness 0]

IMHO, you should keep pushing. There are others who went through the same, but persisted and were able to turn it around. Again, have you resubmitted (via your congressman) the additional proofs anyway? If you 're not going to do above and beyond what it takes then sure pack up and go. However, as a previous comment stated, think about the sponsor issue once/if you decide to move back.

Either way best of luck to you.

[punkmada 0]

IMHO, you should keep pushing. There are others who went through the same, but persisted and were able to turn it around. Again, have you resubmitted (via your congressman) the additional proofs anyway? If you 're not going to do above and beyond what it takes then sure pack up and go. However, as a previous comment stated, think about the sponsor issue once/if you decide to move back.

Either way best of luck to you.

Yes, my congressman has emailed them about everything, even about the strange refusal that he was given yesterday. Since our petition is DOA then I am sure that we will have to do something else and soak more money out into the burning fire in order to be together. Such a long process, that seems never ending.