pay it forward

[sarah and hicham 3]

Most of you know Paula- Ohiobuck. She helped me a lot before our interview and she gave me some great advice I thought I would share with people who have upcoming interviews in Casablanca.

She said I should contact my congressmen and senators before the interview to establish a relationship with them so they could be familiar with our case. Also you usually have to sign a release form before they can inquire to Casa about your case so it's best to do that early in case something happens and you need them right after the interview. Paula suggested that I email my state senators and Congressmen with a brief background of our case with the date of the interview and to also sign the release form prior to the interview. I think this is mostly helpful in the case that someone's petition is sent back to USCIS after the interview because you will only have a few days to contact Casa before they send it back to the US. I know I have said this before and my memory is so bad but I know someone had their denial overturned before their petiton made it back to the US so it can be done!

I am sharing this because it really is a great idea and it may seem like overkill but I think it's good to be ready for anything with Casa. When Hicham got his 221g I was pretty freaked out cause it was in French and worded differently than the other examples I had seen. Right after the Interview I went to a cyber and got my Congresswoman's phone number and called. Unfortunately I had not signed the release form before I left for Morocco as I hadn't received a response yet from any offices. I talked to a man who was very helpful and even offered to fax everything to Morocco so Icould sign it. Well the fax never came through but when I got back to California I went to their office and signed the release form. The next morning I got a call from him saying he called the Consulate and that they were issuing Hicham's visa as we spoke which I already knew but I was surprised he got on it so fast!

Anyways hopefully this will help someone in the future and thanks to Paula for the great advice!!! I don't think it would hurt to ge them involved early in case you need them right away later.

Take care and good luck guys!

Sarah

[yunmary 0]

congratulations

[Jenn! 918]

congratulations

[sarah and hicham 3]

congratulations

Thanks, you too!

Hi Jenn.

[Jenn! 918]

Yo!

[Sofiyya 1,687]

Paula is a sweetheart! She gave us that advice too. Thanks for passing it on, Sarah!

[~*Dorothy*~ 2]

Great advice Sarah! Thanks for sharing and many many thans to Paula who all along hasbeen a great support to many.

Dorothy

[sarah and hicham 3]

Paula was a real lifesaver for us. She gave us so much advice! I just hope this will help someone someday!!

Bye now!

Sarah

[noura 0]

congratulations

Thanks, you too!

Hi Jenn.

hehehe... hi gals!