The Notion is back...

[MrsAmera 41]

Hi ladies. So Youssef has been slipping further and further into depression here, with no word on his green card or AP. As he left this afternoon he said, "The day I open the mailbox and there's something in there for me will make me so happy" and a tear rolled down his face. I couldn't even give him a hug (his strict Ramadan restrictions ). Needless to say I'm really bummed out by the cruddy job market I've been experiencing here as well. I'm a university graduate who can't get a full time job *sigh*. So I have a job secured at the American Language Center in Marrakech whenever I want to take it, and Youssef's brother in law works for the Moumia hotel in Marrakech and can almost guarantee him getting a job there (especially with his English skills now). I started looking for apartments in Marrakech today and I'm really seriously considering going back. I am however worried about jeopardizing his returning to the US. Obviously it would be much easier if he had his citizenship here but I don't know how 3 more years will last. It would be incredibly nice to have the help of his sisters there with the kids and I really want to learn Arabic and possibly get my Masters from Al Akhwan in Ifrane. I guess I'm really scared to make the step - esp. immigration wise. What would our recourse be if my husband wanted to return to the US with me? Would it be filing DCF there or would they see that we abandoned the petition and deny us?

[Henia 11]

Hi ladies. So Youssef has been slipping further and further into depression here, with no word on his green card or AP. As he left this afternoon he said, "The day I open the mailbox and there's something in there for me will make me so happy" and a tear rolled down his face. I couldn't even give him a hug (his strict Ramadan restrictions ). Needless to say I'm really bummed out by the cruddy job market I've been experiencing here as well. I'm a university graduate who can't get a full time job *sigh*. So I have a job secured at the American Language Center in Marrakech whenever I want to take it, and Youssef's brother in law works for the Moumia hotel in Marrakech and can almost guarantee him getting a job there (especially with his English skills now). I started looking for apartments in Marrakech today and I'm really seriously considering going back. I am however worried about jeopardizing his returning to the US. Obviously it would be much easier if he had his citizenship here but I don't know how 3 more years will last. It would be incredibly nice to have the help of his sisters there with the kids and I really want to learn Arabic and possibly get my Masters from Al Akhwan in Ifrane. I guess I'm really scared to make the step - esp. immigration wise. What would our recourse be if my husband wanted to return to the US with me? Would it be filing DCF there or would they see that we abandoned the petition and deny us?

Hmm i really donnot know Amera but I am praying with you all the way!!! May Allah make it easy for you all. Amin

[jordanianprincess 0]

Oh man, I hope he gets it soon. The first year is the hardest. My mom told me that when they first moved here she cried everyday and wanted to go back. After that, she never really thought about going back. What happened to the restaurant idea?

[Sofiyya 1,687]

I'm with you, Amera. I say if you have the opportunity of jobs and affordable housing, go for it! I may be right behind you. This has been on my mind too.

Edited September 29, 2006 by szsz

[MrsAmera 41]

It's still there - we just haven't had much luck finding a place to accomodate. Everything we have found will require us to put in a kitchen (10-20K...). I feel like such a downer lately! I think i'm getting pre-post partum depression or something because I am so weepy and emotional. I wish I could just figure something out!

[jordanianprincess 0]

It's still there - we just haven't had much luck finding a place to accomodate. Everything we have found will require us to put in a kitchen (10-20K...). I feel like such a downer lately! I think i'm getting pre-post partum depression or something because I am so weepy and emotional. I wish I could just figure something out!

Why don't you try to start a catering business. You can do it from home. Alot of sucessful companies start that way. Hewlitt Packard was started in a garage. I watch the food network alot and they always have those shows about restaurants and bakeries nationwide, so many of them started at home.

Once you have enough money you can expand into another location and this way you are not putting that much money at risk upfront.

[deeshla 0]

Hi ladies. So Youssef has been slipping further and further into depression here, with no word on his green card or AP. As he left this afternoon he said, "The day I open the mailbox and there's something in there for me will make me so happy" and a tear rolled down his face. I couldn't even give him a hug (his strict Ramadan restrictions ). Needless to say I'm really bummed out by the cruddy job market I've been experiencing here as well. I'm a university graduate who can't get a full time job *sigh*. So I have a job secured at the American Language Center in Marrakech whenever I want to take it, and Youssef's brother in law works for the Moumia hotel in Marrakech and can almost guarantee him getting a job there (especially with his English skills now). I started looking for apartments in Marrakech today and I'm really seriously considering going back. I am however worried about jeopardizing his returning to the US. Obviously it would be much easier if he had his citizenship here but I don't know how 3 more years will last. It would be incredibly nice to have the help of his sisters there with the kids and I really want to learn Arabic and possibly get my Masters from Al Akhwan in Ifrane. I guess I'm really scared to make the step - esp. immigration wise. What would our recourse be if my husband wanted to return to the US with me? Would it be filing DCF there or would they see that we abandoned the petition and deny us?

Amera -- the ALC is a lovely place and Marrakech is full of great schools for multi-lingual kids!

I want you to know that getting DCF in Morocco is incredibly easy and fast -- it took us 1 month from me filing a petition to my husband picking up to visa. It will cost about 4000 dirhams total and the fact that you will have a babe-in-arms and will (presumably) have your carte de sejour as a teacher will mean no hassle for you. In other words, they will not doubt one iota of your relationship and the visa issuance will be smooth. And of course wilt DCF you get the instant green card. There are some provisions for keeping this up. The American/Moroccan couples I know there have little travel scenarios to keep him in his green card up-to-date so they can return when they want to (i.e. they travel to the states at least once a year).

You can live fairly comfortably on the ALC salary. I say go for it! We can talk more via PM if you want - I know lots of couples in Marrakech currently (with kids) who can clue you into schools, socializing, etc.

Good luck on your decision!

Amanda

[frndly1 1]

Amera,

If you are going to leave before your interview please make an info pass to let them know that you are not abandoning your AOS and that you would like to with draw it. I dont think you would have any problems when you chose to come back to the states.

I wish you all the best in whatever you decide.

Hi ladies. So Youssef has been slipping further and further into depression here, with no word on his green card or AP. As he left this afternoon he said, "The day I open the mailbox and there's something in there for me will make me so happy" and a tear rolled down his face. I couldn't even give him a hug (his strict Ramadan restrictions ). Needless to say I'm really bummed out by the cruddy job market I've been experiencing here as well. I'm a university graduate who can't get a full time job *sigh*. So I have a job secured at the American Language Center in Marrakech whenever I want to take it, and Youssef's brother in law works for the Moumia hotel in Marrakech and can almost guarantee him getting a job there (especially with his English skills now). I started looking for apartments in Marrakech today and I'm really seriously considering going back. I am however worried about jeopardizing his returning to the US. Obviously it would be much easier if he had his citizenship here but I don't know how 3 more years will last. It would be incredibly nice to have the help of his sisters there with the kids and I really want to learn Arabic and possibly get my Masters from Al Akhwan in Ifrane. I guess I'm really scared to make the step - esp. immigration wise. What would our recourse be if my husband wanted to return to the US with me? Would it be filing DCF there or would they see that we abandoned the petition and deny us?

Amera -- the ALC is a lovely place and Marrakech is full of great schools for multi-lingual kids!

I want you to know that getting DCF in Morocco is incredibly easy and fast -- it took us 1 month from me filing a petition to my husband picking up to visa. It will cost about 4000 dirhams total and the fact that you will have a babe-in-arms and will (presumably) have your carte de sejour as a teacher will mean no hassle for you. In other words, they will not doubt one iota of your relationship and the visa issuance will be smooth. And of course wilt DCF you get the instant green card. There are some provisions for keeping this up. The American/Moroccan couples I know there have little travel scenarios to keep him in his green card up-to-date so they can return when they want to (i.e. they travel to the states at least once a year).

You can live fairly comfortably on the ALC salary. I say go for it! We can talk more via PM if you want - I know lots of couples in Marrakech currently (with kids) who can clue you into schools, socializing, etc.

Good luck on your decision!

Amanda

[morocco4ever 63]

It's still there - we just haven't had much luck finding a place to accomodate. Everything we have found will require us to put in a kitchen (10-20K...). I feel like such a downer lately! I think i'm getting pre-post partum depression or something because I am so weepy and emotional. I wish I could just figure something out!

Why don't you try to start a catering business. You can do it from home. Alot of sucessful companies start that way. Hewlitt Packard was started in a garage. I watch the food network alot and they always have those shows about restaurants and bakeries nationwide, so many of them started at home.

Once you have enough money you can expand into another location and this way you are not putting that much money at risk upfront.

That is a great idea!

Wow, I'm so sorry to hear this is so hard. I am so worried that same thing will happen. My husband insists that it won't because he will finally be with me, but like all Arabic men, he adores his mother, this will be harder than he thinks.

How long has he been in the US? Any chance you could just go for a visit?

[Zizi & Zuki 0]

Amanda,

Could you please share more about DCF? What is it and if someone is "stuck" at a standstill with another visa, can this simply be remedied by the potential spouse going to Morocco, marrying their fiance and waiting it out a month or two to get DCF. Sounds too good to be true....but if it is true, I'll do it!

Susan

[hollyw 0]

Amanda,

Could you please share more about DCF? What is it and if someone is "stuck" at a standstill with another visa, can this simply be remedied by the potential spouse going to Morocco, marrying their fiance and waiting it out a month or two to get DCF. Sounds too good to be true....but if it is true, I'll do it!

Susan

That's not exactly the way it works... otherwise, everyone would do it! I'm not sure of the answer to dropping a K-1/K-3 visa and going for a DCF but I am pretty sure that in Morocco the USC needs to have residency for at least six months. In the time it would take to pick up, move to Morocco, marry your fiancé, wait it out, and THEN file a DCF.... you might be nearing the finish line with your K-1.

DCF is filing directly at the consualte. It is reserved for couples that are already married and it cuts down the wait time because one only has to deal with the American embassy in their SO's country. The visa's are usually issued fairly quickly (one, two months.. I don't know of any taking longer than two months, unless there are complications) and, upon entry into the US, the SO is a permanent resident... i.e. no adjustment of status. The DCF guide in the "Guides" section of VJ outlines the whole process and answers a lot of questions and you could email the consulate in Casa for any additional information. Hope this helps Good luck!

[homesick_american 1]

Amanda,

Could you please share more about DCF? What is it and if someone is "stuck" at a standstill with another visa, can this simply be remedied by the potential spouse going to Morocco, marrying their fiance and waiting it out a month or two to get DCF. Sounds too good to be true....but if it is true, I'll do it!

Susan

That's not exactly the way it works... otherwise, everyone would do it! I'm not sure of the answer to dropping a K-1/K-3 visa and going for a DCF but I am pretty sure that in Morocco the USC needs to have residency for at least six months. In the time it would take to pick up, move to Morocco, marry your fiancé, wait it out, and THEN file a DCF.... you might be nearing the finish line with your K-1.

DCF is filing directly at the consualte. It is reserved for couples that are already married and it cuts down the wait time because one only has to deal with the American embassy in their SO's country. The visa's are usually issued fairly quickly (one, two months.. I don't know of any taking longer than two months, unless there are complications) and, upon entry into the US, the SO is a permanent resident... i.e. no adjustment of status. The DCF guide in the "Guides" section of VJ outlines the whole process and answers a lot of questions and you could email the consulate in Casa for any additional information. Hope this helps Good luck!

We filed our DCF in London in August 2005. It's now October 2006 and we're still waiting for the visa. We took our time gathering up our materials for the visa application but even if we had rushed through it still would have taken much longer than 1-2 months. It took longer than that just to process the I-130.

[Donna A 4]

can u make an info pass apointment for his ap papers? the green card is going to take a long time so he should not get his hopes of getting it so soon.

i think maybe this ap should be coming real soon and maybe if u make the info pass apt they can tell u whats going on and cheer him up some.

[soul_encounter 0]

Hi ladies. So Youssef has been slipping further and further into depression here, with no word on his green card or AP. As he left this afternoon he said, "The day I open the mailbox and there's something in there for me will make me so happy" and a tear rolled down his face. I couldn't even give him a hug (his strict Ramadan restrictions ). Needless to say I'm really bummed out by the cruddy job market I've been experiencing here as well. I'm a university graduate who can't get a full time job *sigh*. So I have a job secured at the American Language Center in Marrakech whenever I want to take it, and Youssef's brother in law works for the Moumia hotel in Marrakech and can almost guarantee him getting a job there (especially with his English skills now). I started looking for apartments in Marrakech today and I'm really seriously considering going back. I am however worried about jeopardizing his returning to the US. Obviously it would be much easier if he had his citizenship here but I don't know how 3 more years will last. It would be incredibly nice to have the help of his sisters there with the kids and I really want to learn Arabic and possibly get my Masters from Al Akhwan in Ifrane. I guess I'm really scared to make the step - esp. immigration wise. What would our recourse be if my husband wanted to return to the US with me? Would it be filing DCF there or would they see that we abandoned the petition and deny us?

I'm sorry to hear your husband is having a hard time right now. You guys have a lot going on, the stress and adjustment of a new dependant little family member is enough to cause most couples issues, but he has had 2 huge life altering changes in one year. And you sweetie, just after having a baby should not press yourself emotionally or mentally to make any life altering decisions right now. Perhaps you could set a goal, that you can all look toward as a deadline. Say babies 1st birthday, if you still both feel uncomfortable here and want, then plan a move.

In my work, I help place refugees and immigrants in their first homes in america. And these people come from horrendous circumstances in their home countries. I placed 16 Uzbekies in an 8 apartment building this year. They made the mistake of having a peaceful protest in their town square when the military was ordered to open fire on the crowd. They watched friends and family die before their eyes as they fled for their own lives and into the border. They never have the option of returning, but still those first 6 months, they could think of little else but being "home". Now, finally, they are beginning to think of america as their home, but really it usually takes about 2 years for the true adjustment to set in, in most cases.

Good luck to you, whatever you decide, I wish you peace and comfort.

[john_and_marlene 162]

Here is something to think about and talk to the USCIS people about if you decide to make an infopass appt. and withdraw the AOS application.

Technically, once the I-94 expired on your K1 visa, overstay days began to accumulate. Once you filed the AOS in June, the overstay days stopped and will be dismissed at a successful AOS.

Here's the potential problem. If you don't complete the AOS, all days following the expiration of the I-94 will count as overstay days. The number of days will soon be over 180 and could trigger a 3 year bar for reentry. It might be best to at least wait for the AOS to complete before moving.