How are Moroccan Spouses Fairing in the U.S.?

[Golden Gate 530]

Hi - I would like to know how people are doing that have already come to the U.S.

Edited November 12, 2011 by Golden Gate

[Golden Gate 530]

Well, phooey! I was trying to add more questions - the last: What would your Moroccan spouse say: 1)He/She is happy to have come? 2)He/She regrets coming to the U.S.

I have heard from several Moroccans via their relatives/friends in Morocco that they regretted coming here, that life is hard for immigrants, and they haven't even been able to make enough to pay the rent.

So, what do you think about this and how has your spouse's move been made easier and more successful?

Thanks, all in MENA, who are willing to participate and let me know your feedback. Please keep in MENA

Edited November 12, 2011 by Golden Gate

[MIBEN 83]

My husband is doing fine but the transition has been challenging for him. EID was especially difficult but we shared the moments with the family over yahoo and the camera. I have found that keeping him busy is the key, my husband went to English as a Second Language classes, once he felt comfortable he started taking GED classes and took an online driving course so now he has his learner's permit. He has applied for several jobs and although he has gotten no call backs, he feels that his trying and that is all he can do.

He learned how to cut the grass, something most people do not do in Morocco and he keeps our two Jack Russell Terriers on schedule. I am slowly integrating him into the traditional roles of a husband in America (dishes lol...I just hate washing so he helps, watering the grass, throwing out the trash, helps me walk the dogs, washing cars) busy, busy there is always something to do.

Monetarily yes it is hard for Americans these days so ofcourse it will be challenging for anyone coming here for the first time we are just blessed that we get a pension (including medical and dental coverage), some cushion in savings and I just got another job so we cannot complain. He however, feels bad he is not working so I try to ask him to do things that will make him feel that he is contributing. Once he gets the GED under his belt and he is still not able to get a job, then college here he comes.

Oh yeah, he did babysit the neighbor's pets for 4 days and he felts so good being responsible for something that he got paid for but he is so sweet he gave the money to my oldest son for gas to get to work.

Best of luck to all it is not as easy as it looks to transition from any country.

[Golden Gate 530]

Thanks for responding.

[Peace.... 281]

Well honestly I thought in the beginning that Mohammed would have a hard time adjusting but once here he adjusted as if he has lived here all his life. Job hunting of course has been his biggest issue the past few months as most Americans are out of work too and some think they should hire an American over an immigrant. My husband is by far more patient than I could ever be and keeps me grounded everyday. He is not to big on American food but loves fried shrimp and lemon cake LOL. I cook a lot of moroccan dishes daily as I love the food more than American food and it's by far healthier. This past Eid we travelled to Kentucky to buy a sheep as I wanted to experience this day with him. I was sad for the all the sheep LOL but happy my husband could still find himself in the USA celebrating his tradition as he did since he was a little boy.

I am excited to celebrate Thanksgiving (his B'day as well) and just enjoy my southern traditional way of cooking. I could not have asked God for a more loving and caring husband.

[Golden Gate 530]

Well honestly I thought in the beginning that Mohammed would have a hard time adjusting but once here he adjusted as if he has lived here all his life. Job hunting of course has been his biggest issue the past few months as most Americans are out of work too and some think they should hire an American over an immigrant. My husband is by far more patient than I could ever be and keeps me grounded everyday. He is not to big on American food but loves fried shrimp and lemon cake LOL. I cook a lot of moroccan dishes daily as I love the food more than American food and it's by far healthier. This past Eid we travelled to Kentucky to buy a sheep as I wanted to experience this day with him. I was sad for the all the sheep LOL but happy my husband could still find himself in the USA celebrating his tradition as he did since he was a little boy.

I am excited to celebrate Thanksgiving (his B'day as well) and just enjoy my southern traditional way of cooking. I could not have asked God for a more loving and caring husband.

Nice. Happy birthday to Mohammed! We will be cooking a lot of Moroccan food and I am so happy that Imad cooks very well, so he can teach me a lot. I already made Msemmen, and ate it all kinds of ways - with cheese, with chocolate syrup and with chicken and olives. I made Moroccan bread, which turned out pretty well, but it was denser than I remember having. I also bought the spice Ras El Hanout, which I found at Cost Plus World Market, and I cooked it with chicken in the crock pot and ate with rice - was so good!! Another thing I like is Kefta, so when we get a sheep, I will be making that, too! When I was there, Imad used to bring home lots of sandwiches from local shops - and each time they had some surprise in them - like french fries, one time - and also we used to just get things like the gizzards of chickens but with a delicious sauce. Wow. So everything tasted like heaven. Once we had sheep brains, but that was a bit much for me

We are hoping that he can go to school to get his graduate degree. Wasn't Mohammed a teacher?

[New Beginnings 32]

My husband has had a very easy time here in America. I know he misses his family back in Morocco but he was able to find work quickly, start college, become a Certified Nurisng Assistant, find a better job as a CNA, and is awaiting the decision of whether he was accepted into nursing school or not. He came to America speaking, writing and reading English very well and has tested into higher college classes than I did in Math and science. He's made several friends at the mosque and we have been able to share in holidays with them. I do my best to make holidays special for him and cook Moroccan for him. I know he's happy to be in America but I believe he wouldn't be here if it wasn't because of me. All in all, I am very proud of how well he has done here and feel like we're very lucky that he was able to find work so quickly here.

[Golden Gate 530]

My husband has had a very easy time here in America. I know he misses his family back in Morocco but he was able to find work quickly, start college, become a Certified Nurisng Assistant, find a better job as a CNA, and is awaiting the decision of whether he was accepted into nursing school or not. He came to America speaking, writing and reading English very well and has tested into higher college classes than I did in Math and science. He's made several friends at the mosque and we have been able to share in holidays with them. I do my best to make holidays special for him and cook Moroccan for him. I know he's happy to be in America but I believe he wouldn't be here if it wasn't because of me. All in all, I am very proud of how well he has done here and feel like we're very lucky that he was able to find work so quickly here.

That is just great to hear! Glad everything is going so smoothly for you and I appreciate you responding.