K-1 No meeting in person- only hope- Fiance in Gaza

[kimmygeee 7]

I agree with the others by trying to meet in a different country, like Egypt. It really does help a lot to meet the person you want to marry in person. I've been to the border of Egypt and Palestine and it's very hectic. Didn't actually cross but there was just so many people there trying to enter goods from Egypt. Another thing is that they opens the borders for a certain time period.. And it can close randomly.. At least that was the case when I went in 2009. You are definitely in a tough situation. You can try to go to the border and see what they tell you or get information from other people who know more. Definitely don't take the risk of getting inside Palestine if you feel don't feel they can guarantee you a way out. It's something you can explain when doing the k-1 visa.. Show evidence that he tried to meet you someplace else and evidence of when you were trying to get into Palestine. Do some research on how it is now to get there and analyze the risks. Good luck!

[usmsbow 801]

Yeah, I am pretty sure the border with Egypt is closed right now. The Egyptian governmet is currently removing houses along the border and creating more of a buffer zone. Just google "Sinai Gaza border" and you'll quickly see that area isn't exactly peaceful right now. Also, the Egyptian government hates Hamas and does what it can to undermine them in Gaza.

In other words, you're going to be SOL trying to go that route right now.

[Dohan 133]

Does he have an Israeli passport or PA passport? If he has an Israeli passport he can travel. Sorry if this is a stupid question but if he didn't always live in Gaza he might have an Israeli passport. If he has PA documents, it would be difficult but he could try traveling through Jordan.

But also as far as I know, Gazans need authorization from Hamas to travel (again I do apologise if this information is incorrect) and I honestly doubt they would give him permission to leave...

If there is any way he can get otu of Gaza he would have a higher chance of success applying for a refugee status or asylum. And once he gets that, you guys can marry. Maybe consider that option.

[Boiler 45,553]

As an aside this is a long and expensive process. No doubt even longer after yesterday.

[Novak.Ani 1]

Does he have an Israeli passport or PA passport? If he has an Israeli passport he can travel. Sorry if this is a stupid question but if he didn't always live in Gaza he might have an Israeli passport. If he has PA documents, it would be difficult but he could try traveling through Jordan.

But also as far as I know, Gazans need authorization from Hamas to travel (again I do apologise if this information is incorrect) and I honestly doubt they would give him permission to leave...

If there is any way he can get otu of Gaza he would have a higher chance of success applying for a refugee status or asylum. And once he gets that, you guys can marry. Maybe consider that option.

That is a good idea indeed. And he does not have an Israeli passport, though I wonder if that would be obtainable ? I haven't considered that but sadly, that would probably help him if its possible. More than a Palestinian passport. Thank you!!

As an aside this is a long and expensive process. No doubt even longer after yesterday.

Yes, we may have to welcome a few more engaged years under our tattered belts regarding this endeavor. Lol I'll fight forever until all options are exhausted and we are damned to live apart.

I agree with the others by trying to meet in a different country, like Egypt. It really does help a lot to meet the person you want to marry in person. I've been to the border of Egypt and Palestine and it's very hectic. Didn't actually cross but there was just so many people there trying to enter goods from Egypt. Another thing is that they opens the borders for a certain time period.. And it can close randomly.. At least that was the case when I went in 2009. You are definitely in a tough situation. You can try to go to the border and see what they tell you or get information from other people who know more. Definitely don't take the risk of getting inside Palestine if you feel don't feel they can guarantee you a way out. It's something you can explain when doing the k-1 visa.. Show evidence that he tried to meet you someplace else and evidence of when you were trying to get into Palestine. Do some research on how it is now to get there and analyze the risks. Good luck!

It's very much the situation now. They won't even allow proper building material to enter Gaza at the moment. So I know going would be foolish. Just getting him out , like everyone has so kindly suggested, maybe if by some stroke of luck, he can meet me elsewhere. I think that is what we will plan now. I talked to him about all of this too and he agrees it would be best. We really are dying to meet in person.

Yeah, I am pretty sure the border with Egypt is closed right now. The Egyptian governmet is currently removing houses along the border and creating more of a buffer zone. Just google "Sinai Gaza border" and you'll quickly see that area isn't exactly peaceful right now. Also, the Egyptian government hates Hamas and does what it can to undermine them in Gaza.

In other words, you're going to be SOL trying to go that route right now.

Yeah well.... Palestinians hate Hamas too. I'm no fan. So they are Sol of sorts which we cannot figure. Don't need Google for that, I am seeing first hand updates from my friends on the ground . But thank you for confirming this for others who may be unaware . that route is fruitless. Gaza is just so sad, I will never understand it.

[TBoneTX 45,328]

*** This thread seems to have evolved from a K-1 process issue to one of geographic nature, so it's moved from the K-1 Process forum to the Middle East/North Africa regional subforum. ***

[allyinchicago 8]

look, let me tell you first hand how BAD is it in Palestine. I'm American (not arab and don't speak Arabic) and I'm in the West bank right now. Gaza is sooooooo much worse then the West Bank, you can't even imagine. an outsider (non-Palestinian) can not live here. You might fly all the way over here and not be allowed into Gaza, this is real. Israel has complete control over who enters, pretty much like a prison. I used to enter through Jordan with my husband through the King Hussein bridge and you feel like you are nothing and you get treated with the most disrespect, plus you sit 7 hours at the border. now I go through Tel aviv and I never say I'm going to the west bank and I'm outside within 15 min of landing. But entering through Erez most likely you would get denied. I'm not saying don't go, but really just try to go to Egypt. do not risk getting stuck in Gaza. I know 2 people(Palestinians) in Gaza who have been waiting to get their interview in Jerusalem for over 6 months.

Do you know, there is almost nothing to do in West Bank/Gaza? No malls, no parks, no museums, nothing to do. it is the most boring place one could be stuck in. Israel does not allow any name brands so the only things you can find at the stores are similar to what you might find at the dollar store, like there is nothing of quality anywhere. Yes people are extremely close with their families/2nd 3rd cousins because that's the only thing to do, visit people.The power goes out constantly, you would never have a hot shower and the homes are literally freezing in the winter because Israelis don't allow insulation in the homes and buildings. There are huge balloons in the sky recording everything, watching everything....This is what like is like under an occupation. Sometimes I feel scared to be here but my case has dragged on for over 2 years, so I do come visit but still...do you know how many times I tried to expedite it? always got denied. I've had my senator and congressman involved and no one cares. then tried to get it expedited from the consulate also denied....I do not think you would get a K-1 without meeting. Especially for Palestine.

[Novak.Ani 1]

look, let me tell you first hand how BAD is it in Palestine. I'm American (not arab and don't speak Arabic) and I'm in the West bank right now. Gaza is sooooooo much worse then the West Bank, you can't even imagine. an outsider (non-Palestinian) can not live here. You might fly all the way over here and not be allowed into Gaza, this is real. Israel has complete control over who enters, pretty much like a prison. I used to enter through Jordan with my husband through the King Hussein bridge and you feel like you are nothing and you get treated with the most disrespect, plus you sit 7 hours at the border. now I go through Tel aviv and I never say I'm going to the west bank and I'm outside within 15 min of landing. But entering through Erez most likely you would get denied. I'm not saying don't go, but really just try to go to Egypt. do not risk getting stuck in Gaza. I know 2 people(Palestinians) in Gaza who have been waiting to get their interview in Jerusalem for over 6 months.

Do you know, there is almost nothing to do in West Bank/Gaza? No malls, no parks, no museums, nothing to do. it is the most boring place one could be stuck in. Israel does not allow any name brands so the only things you can find at the stores are similar to what you might find at the dollar store, like there is nothing of quality anywhere. Yes people are extremely close with their families/2nd 3rd cousins because that's the only thing to do, visit people.The power goes out constantly, you would never have a hot shower and the homes are literally freezing in the winter because Israelis don't allow insulation in the homes and buildings. There are huge balloons in the sky recording everything, watching everything....This is what like is like under an occupation. Sometimes I feel scared to be here but my case has dragged on for over 2 years, so I do come visit but still...do you know how many times I tried to expedite it? always got denied. I've had my senator and congressman involved and no one cares. then tried to get it expedited from the consulate also denied....I do not think you would get a K-1 without meeting. Especially for Palestine.

Thank you!!!!! This is the kind if thing people don't understand unless they have an insiders word for it. And it sounds ludicrous to explain. I don't care about shopping malls lol that's seldom an option for entertainment. I am like Gazans in that way, I prefer my family. But I am not forced to. Neither are they really. My Habibi has a lot of unrelated friends, just he is sick of the bs from people, like myself. We agreed to try and meet in Egypt first. Thank you and everyone

[Ihavequestions 419]

Egypt opened the Raffah crossing today. No telling how long it will stay open, though.

[Novak.Ani 1]

Egypt opened the Raffah crossing today. No telling how long it will stay open, though.

God is good. I hope they get supplies. They open so randomly. Thanks for the update

[Boiler 45,553]

Seems to be to allow those caught outside to return.