Embassy disruptions

[lillakatoussa 12]

I'm curious what may be some of the ramifications of visa processing given the current unrest around the U.S. embassies, especially in the North Africa region (specifically Tunis, if anyone knows). Obviously nothing is happening there as far as processing goes, but I'm wondering about what happens when normalcy returns based on past experiences after the revolution(s). Just trying to prepare for what to expect, such as how long it takes for them to get back up and running when things settle down. Does it make it harder to obtain a visa (interview wise, is it more stringent)?

Please be nice, I'm a long time lurker and first time poster. I realize that my post is a bit selfish given the violence and severity of the protests, but it doesn't change the fact that I miss my fiance and want him here as soon as possible (now, even more so).

[TBoneTX 46,126]

*** Thread moved from K-1 Case Filing to MENA regional subforum -- topic relevant right now to that geographic area. ***

Edited September 15, 2012 by TBoneTX

[lillakatoussa 12]

*** Thread moved from K-1 Case Filing to MENA regional subforum -- topic relevant right now to that geographic area. ***

Thanks

[OnMyWayID 1,489]

funny enough it was a topic of conversation today at work.. The consensus being that if shut down for any length of time at all they would probably be left shut down at least until after the elections..

But that is just a group of people talking

[Rae Anne 44]

I'm curious what may be some of the ramifications of visa processing given the current unrest around the U.S. embassies, especially in the North Africa region (specifically Tunis, if anyone knows). Obviously nothing is happening there as far as processing goes, but I'm wondering about what happens when normalcy returns based on past experiences after the revolution(s). Just trying to prepare for what to expect, such as how long it takes for them to get back up and running when things settle down. Does it make it harder to obtain a visa (interview wise, is it more stringent)?

Please be nice, I'm a long time lurker and first time poster. I realize that my post is a bit selfish given the violence and severity of the protests, but it doesn't change the fact that I miss my fiance and want him here as soon as possible (now, even more so).

I understand you, as my fiance is from Yemen. But the important thing I hope people will realize is that there are over 1.2 billion Muslims in the world. And only at most a few thousand have participated in these acts of anti-American/western aggression and protests (some of which have been fairly standard protests - just saying). A few thousand out of 1.2 billion is such a small percent that it cannot possibly be a representative sample of the beliefs and sentiments of the whole population. Just like radical factions of fundamentalist Christians and Jews also do not reflect the actions or beliefs of all Christians and Jews. There are always a few "bad apples" in the bunch in every religion and culture. The key in overcoming this is for the majority to denounce extremist and divisive acts entirely and to instead promote value systems of mutual respect and love of humanity.

I don't know how recent events will play out for those of us hoping to bring our loved ones from the region to live here. But based on the twitter comments and statements from the Egyptian embassy before and after the siege there I would say embassy staff in that region know the local people very well and try to be respectful of their host communities as much as possible. Background checks will still be thorough, as they should be. I say it's safe to expect delays in case adjudication - I imagine the consular staff are all feeling the strain. Hoping this will all die down soon and that no more lives are lost.

[lillakatoussa 12]

funny enough it was a topic of conversation today at work.. The consensus being that if shut down for any length of time at all they would probably be left shut down at least until after the elections..

But that is just a group of people talking

That was the opinion of my SO today, as well. He asked when the election would be held...*sigh*

[ErikaAndHamit 73]

I hope they move you guys to a neutral country's embassy at least. I was thinking about this too for those who had visas in waiting.

[OnMyWayID 1,489]

That was the opinion of my SO today, as well. He asked when the election would be held...*sigh*

May not be as bad as you think.. You are still at the NOA1 stage and not due for NOA2 for a while.. Nothing that is happening now is effecting that timeline. I am surprised your projected NOA2 is only three months - CSC must be really pumping them out fast these days. There will probably be a backlog when you get your NOA2 but right now you are not losing time.

Edited September 15, 2012 by OnMyWayID

[lillakatoussa 12]

May not be as bad as you think.. You are still at the NOA1 stage and not due for NOA2 for a while.. Nothing that is happening now is effecting that timeline. I am surprised your projected NOA2 is only three months - CSC must be really pumping them out fast these days. There will probably be a backlog when you get your NOA2 but right now you are not losing time.

Yeah, while I'm hoping our timeline is semi-accurate I'm not gonna hold my breath. CSC is processing mid to late June K-1's right now but I know summer is a big petition season. Just hoping they will keep processing quickly as we're expecting a baby in February and of course, we'd like to be together for that event.

[Dr. A ♥ O 203]

The State Department mentioned in an interview there is a website that gives all the updates on the status of the Embassies in the region. They didn't give the link though so someone might be calling them for it soon if I can't find it myself easily.

On facebook if you like the US Embassy for whatever country your SO is in they will proved updates through social media. They have Twitter and Facebook in addition to their webpage that anyone can access. This update just came from the US Embassy in Cairo.

تعلن سفارة الولايات المتحدة عن استئناف تقديم جميع خدمات الفيزا وخدمات الرعايا الأمريكيين بداية من غداً الأحد الموافق 16 سبتمبر

The U.S. Embassy in Cairo will resume ALL visa, consular, and American citizen services tomorrow, Sunday, September 16

The President and the State Department have gave every indications that operations will continue as normal. Though things have changed they will still pursue peace in the middle east and a partnership with the newly formed moderate democracy's that are fragile to more radical challengers vying for power right now. They won't give up on our friends there just because of this incident.

Meanwhile in Syria...

Assad the butcher has killed 30,000 of his people in the last year and we aren't hearing about protests against this film from them because hundreds and thousands of them are fleeing the violence of dying fighting him. Angelina Jolie and the Pope have visited the region in the past week but they're not getting much attention for their causes because of bigger fish to fry.

[Dr. A ♥ O 203]

Here is the link I think the State Department was referring too. Quick easy access to all the Embassy's, Consulates and diplomatic missions that exist. They have been working on getting it updated as this crisis unfolds.

Websites of Embassies, Consulates and Diplomatic Missions

[lillakatoussa 12]

The State Department mentioned in an interview there is a website that gives all the updates on the status of the Embassies in the region. They didn't give the link though so someone might be calling them for it soon if I can't find it myself easily.

On facebook if you like the US Embassy for whatever country your SO is in they will proved updates through social media. They have Twitter and Facebook in addition to their webpage that anyone can access. This update just came from the US Embassy in Cairo.

The President and the State Department have gave every indications that operations will continue as normal. Though things have changed they will still pursue peace in the middle east and a partnership with the newly formed moderate democracy's that are fragile to more radical challengers vying for power right now. They won't give up on our friends there just because of this incident.

Meanwhile in Syria...

Assad the butcher has killed 30,000 of his people in the last year and we aren't hearing about protests against this film from them because hundreds and thousands of them are fleeing the violence of dying fighting him. Angelina Jolie and the Pope have visited the region in the past week but they're not getting much attention for their causes because of bigger fish to fry.

Thanks for the link. I already subscribe to the embassy's fb page and unfortunately today, they have ordered all non-emergency personnel and US citizens to depart the country immediately. Doesn't bode well...

[Jenifer2010 9]

My husband was in the K1 process in Tunis during the initial revolution events. We had to wait until the embassy was safe and fully functional before proceeding as normal with our visa application. It was almost exactly the same announcements as well from all Arab embassies at the time. Our take was that our problem (waiting) was so minor in comparison to everyone's safety and the message behind the conflict that we never complained. You'll be ok.

[Dr. A ♥ O 203]

Thanks for the link. I already subscribe to the embassy's fb page and unfortunately today, they have ordered all non-emergency personnel and US citizens to depart the country immediately. Doesn't bode well...

They also issued warnings of withdrawal from Sudan. AQ announced responsibility for the attacks on the Libyan Embassy and called for more attacks such as in Libya. The first reports of attacks targeting American citizens other than diplomatic institutions came in Tunisia's protests yesterday when they looted and burned a school in addition to setting fire to trees and cars inside the US Embassy. Heavy smoke from the compound was seen for miles. Plus some of the heaviest casualties were in that protest with the death toll up to four dead and 29 others injured. The security situation is not great in either location. Sudan has refused allowing Marines to be sent there to protect the Embassies like in Yemen and Libya.

[Cathi 5,784]

I don't think anyone really knows what the real ramifications of all of this unrest will be yet. Things need to calm down and then I think we will get a clearer picture of it all. It's sad that an entire religion of 1.2 billion is being judged by the actions of these extremists. And it's equally as sad that the people causing the trouble are judging the entire population of 350 million US citizens based on a film trailer that we, nor our government had any part in producing. I send my prayers to all who are waiting for their loved ones in the Middle East. My husband has been in AP for 2 months now, we hope that soon his visa will be issued.