RFE for Marriage & Divorce Certificates

[Anonymous35460 3]

Hi guys,

 

I got an RFE for I-130 for both marriage and divorce certificates. Beneficiary is in Pakistan, and an Ahmadi Muslim. Ahmadi Muslims are not considered Muslims by the Pakistani government, so all certificates are issued by their own respective religious body. 

The certificate was issued in English. They are asking for the original certificate, thinking that we have uploaded a translation of the Urdu language. It was never issued in Urdu.

 

For the divorce certificate of previous marriage, we uploaded that but they've requested it as if it was not uploaded, assuming again that they are not recognising the Ahmadiyya religious body issued divorce certificate? 

 

Their own website states:
 

• Marriage Certficiates: Marriage registration certificates for all residents of Pakistan occupied Kashmir, plus Ahmadis, Christians, Hindus, Parsis and other citizens considered non-Muslim under Pakistani law are issued by their respective religious authority (i.e. mosque, church, or temple).  Some Union Councils issue civil marriage registration certificates to Hindus and Christians. 
• Divorce Certificates: Procedures for properly executing a divorce for those considered to be non-Muslim differ and depend on the concerning religion’s norms.  

 

How do we best respond to this RFE now? Seems a little complexed. 

[JeanneAdil 6,651]

they still want the original (copy of it to show appropiate stamp(s) of registering it /it was to be sent with the English translation

they will not proceed with the I 130 until they have both of these in the original language

[Anonymous35460 3]

13 minutes ago, JeanneAdil said:

they still want the original (copy of it to show appropiate stamp(s) of registering it /it was to be sent with the English translation

they will not proceed with the I 130 until they have both of these in the original language

 But that is the original language it was issued in. They issue it in English. also, their issue with the divorce certificate is not language. They asked for ‘a divorce certificate’ completely ignoring the one we uploaded, so assuming they aren’t recognising the one issued by the ahmadiyya Muslim community. 

Edited January 22 by Anonymous35460

[JeanneAdil 6,651]

Just now, Anonymous35460 said:

 But that is the original language it was issued in. They issue it in English. 

then u need proof that it is in original language

you will need to show the Ahmadiyya Muslim the Islamic movement originated in British India and uses English as native language /  it can be found to be described here

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahmadiyya

[pushbrk 13,116]

Respond with an explanation like you gave above, and include the quote and its URL, to remind them of their own policy.  They are imperfect humans.

[Anonymous35460 3]

Thank you guys for the responses.

 

@pushbrk I know you have a keen eye for details so wanted to show you the bottom part of the RFE. It states “When primary evidence is unavailable or non-existent, you must submit secondary evidence to establish the claimed relationship.”

To my understanding, the primary evidence (a valid marriage and valid divorce certificate) IS available and existent, it’s just a confusion over the issuing authority for minorities in Pakistan. I just want an extra pair of eyes on this part to make sure I have understood correctly and don’t need to upload anything other than the explanation, the link, and the original documents again. I will also be obtaining a letter from the Ahmadi office that issues these certificates with their letterhead and stamps confirming they have the authority to issue these certificates and they are valid. 

 

[pushbrk 13,116]

Your plan sounds good to me.  Nice addition.