The Moroccan American Community board: Urge the American consulate in Casablanca to reopen!

Urge the American consulate in Casablanca to reopen!

Filed under: Maghreb Issues - taamarbuuta @ 9:43 pm

I got an e-mail from The Morocco Board today decrying the fact that the US Consulate has been closed since April. Here is an excerpt:

Following two suicidal bombing in Casablanca where two hapless terrorists killed themselves using homemade explosives, The US State Department closed its consulate in Casablanca and directed everyone to go to .neighboring countries for business with the consulate.

This is an interesting and rather contemptuous manner to treat a long time US ally such as Morocco. It is has been perceived by Moroccans & Moroccan Americans as a slap in the face, a peculiar way to show support for Morocco in its fight against terrorism.

I absolutely agree. Unfortunately, my husband, a future Moroccan-American is one of the people affected by this - you see, his interview is scheduled for next week. As it looks as though the Consulate isn't going to be open by then, we have no choice but to wait or try to schedule an appointment elsewhere, which isn't really possible without getting a visa to another country, and that's just a hassle in and of itself.

The Morocco Board suggests sending an e-mail to nivcasablanca@state.gov to urge them to reopen the consulate as soon as possible.

7 Responses to "Urge the American consulate in Casablanca to reopen!"

Cat in Rabat Says:
May 22nd, 2007 at 10:17 pm
Crappy timing! Don't give up on France - find a way to get your visa!
lady macleod Says:
May 22nd, 2007 at 11:16 pm
I shall do so immediately then. I think they should have re-opened the next day! What sort of message does this send? I've had a "warning" from the State Department such that if I were not here myself I would be terrified.
Nicole Says:
May 23rd, 2007 at 12:22 am
I understand how you must feel. I have plenty of friends who are in the same situation as you. My husband came to the U.S. back in January on a fiance visa. We are waiting for the Adjustment of Status to be completed. I thank God everyday for having him here.

I know that it's very difficult for us to understand why the Consulate would want to stay closed for this long. The only thing I can think of is that maybe they have more information then the public is aware of. I do not believe the Consulate wishes to prolong all the interviews. After all, the Consulate is going to have to deal with the headache of rescheduling everyone. However, it does seem a bit extreme to remain closed for this long. I will keep you and your hubby in my prayers as well as everyone else waiting for their interviews.

Hang in there I know easier said then done.
Liosliath Says:
May 23rd, 2007 at 12:43 am
I'm really sorry, that sucks. I remember my own days of emailing nivcasablanca, and the idiotic responses I'd get back.but I'll give it a try. Suppose it can't hurt!

Did you already start the process for the Schengen visa?
Barbara Says:
May 23rd, 2007 at 10:13 am
Uhrg, that really sucks. I hope they reopen soon, incredible that they remain closed. What a joke for a Moroccan to have to go to a consultate in a neighbouring country.

Good luck!!!
taamarbuuta Says:
May 23rd, 2007 at 2:08 pm
Thank you all for your kind words. I sent them a somewhat nasty e-mail (maybe they'll deport me back to the US?) asking for information.

We didn't start the Schengen process, but shouldn't be hard - he's had a Schengen visa before
oumama Says:
May 23rd, 2007 at 8:50 pm
Good luck Jill, i really hope it will reopen soon "daria daria"!!!
For the shengen visa it's in the bag!!
stay full of hope, world citizen.