ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Case Completed at NVC but NO INTERVIEW DATE

NVC schedules during the second week of the month. It would seem that they didn't schedule many IR interviews for the month of Sept. Look to find out something the week of Sept. 10 regarding an October interview.

Hopefully this will be a pleasant anniversary gift for you!


Our case was complete in July.. didnt get scheduled second week of Aug.. now we have to wait until next month.. Not always the following second week ... and not always on the second week.. it all depends on the country and the load they have in the queue.
ScottThuyMaleVietnam2012-08-31 18:01:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureshow long?
Estadia sent the info they requested at the end of 08... plenty of touches since then and still waiting NOA2... it could be a few days, weeks or months...
ScottThuyMaleVietnam2009-07-21 22:24:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresForm 325A
QUOTE (FinnLove @ Aug 6 2009, 09:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi everyone! I'm new here-been a lurker for a few days but this is my first posting. I married my Finnish love three weeks ago and am finishing the K-1 application, etc...this weekend. I'm probably overdoing it by having exhibits with emails, receipts/plane tickets from all trips, letters we wrote from 1988-1998 (we met 21 1/2 years ago in Australia and reconnected thru Google last year!), copies of a few greeting cards, wedding ring receipts, letters from my daughter and a friend, and a fancy photo book (the cool ones that camera stores make-looks like a picture book). Too much?!!! My question is this. My husband filled out his 325A but didn't put one period of unemployment during the five years. He gave it to me in Finland (signed). After reading the forum here, I realized that he needed it. He made a continuation sheet with the one period of unemployment that should be included that's out of order from the first page, and emailed it to me. Is this okay? If I have to get a new one from him, it'll take awhile to get to me via mail. Does my packet sound thorough? I'd like to send it out within a week.

I'm almost afraid of the answers here! Thanks!

If you are 'married' K1 is the wrong path for you.... read through the guides.. CR1 may be better for you
ScottThuyMaleVietnam2009-08-06 20:55:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresService Center RFE... They are kidding right??
I assumed that he meant pictures showing ongoing relationship...
ScottThuyMaleVietnam2009-07-10 16:47:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresService Center RFE... They are kidding right??
This may sound like a stupid question, but were all Italian documents translated to english with the original submitted as well?
ScottThuyMaleVietnam2009-07-10 15:23:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresService Center RFE... They are kidding right??
QUOTE (FreddY2081 @ Jul 10 2009, 04:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Ok, now that you are telling me this i feel a little better...
What is usually that they ask?? Could it be another form to fill out? Or maybe just some other documents???

So you are telling me that after 2 or 3 weeks i should get approved, this means that after that Ill go to NVC and go on the regular way,right?

I almost forgot... THANK YOU very much for your fast answers smile.gif

Go check out the RFE discussion in the guides area.. there are a number of things that they could be asking about. look back at your paperwork to see if you can find the issue. it could be as simple as you forgot to fill in a blank or to sign something.. I will be getting one without a doubt but I know what I did wrong and am ready for it... It could be longer than a few weeks depending upon the info the request... but I see many RFE's getting approved within a few weeks of the response because the issue was minor and quickly resolved... On the bright side.. The fact that you got an RFE means your file is at someones desk and they are waiting for your response...
ScottThuyMaleVietnam2009-07-10 15:15:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresService Center RFE... They are kidding right??

IMO this is a good thing... likely an NOA2 about 2 or 3 weeks after the response to RFE... its better than hearing nothing. its a step in the right direction.
ScottThuyMaleVietnam2009-07-10 15:00:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresK3 Interview failed
QUOTE (Old Dominion @ Aug 11 2009, 06:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Her USC can contact USCIS to see how quickly they will tell him why it was denied. After that, there is a basis for appealing in most cases...mostly by correcting whatever information they used to deny.

The NOD must include a reason for denial... if they know it was denied.. they should know why... Th CO denied not USCIS...
ScottThuyMaleVietnam2009-08-12 09:22:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureshow to pay
With each of the forms USCIS has created instructions explaining how to fill them out.. Please take the time to read everything... You may think there is too much to take the time to read now, but months from now if you get an RFE you could realize how important it was to read...129F instructions
ScottThuyMaleVietnam2009-08-30 19:20:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureshow to pay
QUOTE (poste6 @ Aug 30 2009, 07:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
but who is the person that she will order the money by his name

guides6ly.gif
ScottThuyMaleVietnam2009-08-30 18:57:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat does an approved I-797 mean?
QUOTE (motoflatdrag @ Sep 14 2009, 08:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Our two I-797 forms have been approved. Yippee!!

Approved for what?

After reading 20 posts with tons of answers, I'm not sure what to tell my wife. Should we be excited about this or not?

It's not a visa approval. I think it's just a receipt showing the file will be forwarded to a Thai or American Consulate. She will want to know what this approval is, and what it really means. Thanks for any help, Paul.

Great news.. kicking.gif
timeline.gif and you must have selected the wrong service center since Texas does not do K visas anymore.. VSC or CSC

Edited by ScottThuy, 14 September 2009 - 08:06 PM.

ScottThuyMaleVietnam2009-09-14 20:06:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInterview
Wow.. she is in there waiting now... best of luck and keep us updated...
ScottThuyMaleVietnam2009-09-20 19:23:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPink to White to Blue?????????
That was my intial feeling, just didnt know that they do the back and forth thing... I understand that they want to be sure they give the docs to the one that interviewed, but c'mon... were you able to keep from gettin screwed on the flights?
ScottThuyMaleVietnam2009-12-29 08:01:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPink to White to Blue?????????
The uscis system Is different. You would need to call dos to get a better status update. Go in tomorrow and ask them what they want and what the issue is. It is rare that this happens but at least it is not denied. There is hope it will still get approved soon. Let them know that you purchased flights based on thier previous approval. I am sorry for what they are putting you guys through.
ScottThuyMaleVietnam2009-12-28 14:05:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWriting to Senators and congressmen to check status
The congressional reps office is a few blocks from my house so I went to the office and talked to them face to face.. they had me fill in some forms and went to work immediatly... they let me know the status of the case within a few days ... the file was in the FBI's hands at the time so they could not do anything else...
ScottThuyMaleVietnam2010-01-08 20:44:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPlease help or advice on spouse visa!!! Very frustrating!!!

I had contacted Mumbai consulate but with no success. Isn't there a place in US who I should contact to see if they have received any of my files. I am pretty sure they received something in US as I know that submitted I130 forms are processed in US even if its submitted in other countries. I just don't know who to contact to as I have no receipt number or case number.



It appears that you did a Direct Consular Filing.. DCF .. if this is the case, you should have a case #. You can try calling The Department of State and inquire with them, but they may not be able to access the file without a case #. If you email the consulate it may provide some info, or you or your spouse could go to consulate to make an inquiry. The two easiest things are calling DoS and emailing Mumbai.
ScottThuyMaleVietnam2010-03-27 10:11:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNew K-3 visa fee increase

Hello visajourney members:

I have just read that the application fee for the K-3 visa is $350. The previous amount was $131. The embassy called my husband
and told him to bring his passport. I want to know, does he have to pay the balance of $219 or not? They did not tell him
him that he will be interviewed again, they just said for him to bring his passport. My husband and I are real confused about this.
Can anyone advise us about this. Thank you visa journey members. You guys are the best and most helpful people out there.



When is/was the interview?
ScottThuyMaleVietnam2010-06-20 22:54:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInterview
many times at many consulates...
ScottThuyMaleVietnam2010-08-02 21:54:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresquestion for a visa lawyer
As darnell simplied.. CR1 is better... I have seen others that have had far more serious charges get approved with minimal delay... It wasnt your kid was it? dont need a domestic violence type of slant on the charge... they will look at your background and will likely mention it to her to see how well she knows you... shouldnt be much of an issue IMO.. but I'm no Denny Crane

I thought Darnell was really Denny Crane...
ScottThuyMaleVietnam2010-08-03 23:41:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures212(a)(4)
Its all about $.. for some reason they think the USC doesnt make enough $ or they think the applicant is likely to become a public charge for some other reason... in the denial did they say anything specific? As others have said.. it may be possible to submit a cospnsor if there was an issue with the sponsors income.. The USC should call the DoS on Monday and see what he can find out.
ScottThuyMaleVietnam2010-06-19 18:24:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures212(a)(4)
http://www.uscis.gov...d/1/2/31?hilite=

she can get a waiver, but she needs to know why they think tyhis is the case... it may be because of her or because of the USC... read the above think to see what its all about and then talk to the friend to get a better insight into the possible issues present..
ScottThuyMaleVietnam2010-06-18 19:27:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresi had it with uscis
This VJ member recently sued USCIC and won.. Then USCIS ignored the court and has done nothing...
http://www.visajourn...?showuser=53371

There is also the WRIT OF MANDAMUS
http://www.usaimmigr...tiveReview.html
ScottThuyMaleVietnam2009-10-11 20:55:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresService Request Unable to Determine Eligibility

Yes it was in fact a request to expidite the time in which they will review my application. I figure at this point to just write a letter explaining the time my wife and I have waited and also write my Congressman for the state of Arizona. I've heard that helps as well.


There needs to be a cause that fits thier list of legitimate causes for expedite... as a norm active duty is about it.. sometimes there may be other extenuating situations, but from what you said here, that is not the case.
ScottThuyMaleVietnam2012-02-19 15:15:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresK3
Depends on where it is pending review and at what stage... If she had her interview and got a blue slip you have been in AP... read through the posts in the VN regional.... spend some time on the AP pinned topic.
ScottThuyMaleVietnam2012-06-29 10:16:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionTimes for Vermont Service Center
QUOTE (madanisgirl @ Jun 27 2009, 12:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi everyone does anyone happen to know how long it is taken the VSC to process right now?


Check Igors list.. looks to be 4 months or so.. so you should see it by end of Sept... Your tmeline should give you some idea..
ScottThuyMaleVietnam2009-06-27 11:41:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionSecurity Clearance Question
QUOTE (Bobby_Umit @ Jun 30 2009, 09:26 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Police checks not required for the US.

True.. Thats a chunk of what USCIS does... background checks
ScottThuyMaleVietnam2009-06-30 17:56:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionabout cheap ticket
Try Eva
http://eservice.evaair.com
ScottThuyMaleVietnam2009-07-02 08:05:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionneed info
check Jims response when you asked this before...
http://www.visajourn...h...t=0&start=0
ScottThuyMaleVietnam2009-07-19 16:30:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionneed info
QUOTE (RichMila @ Jul 19 2009, 05:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (ScottThuy @ Jul 19 2009, 05:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
#8 depends on you is your dependant... see your 2008 tax filing to see if you claim any beside you... if you have a son and provide support/ he is dependant upon you to some degree.
her daughter is not a dependant.. yet.
if no previous .. say none.


#3 petition is for her... accompanying her is her daughter.. second section of item 3 it does not ask about her relationship...


ok im now concerned about #9 and #10 and #11, so my son would be partialy dependant or wholly cause he lives with me permanantly.

8 wholly
9 none
10 Fiance's name and the application you submitted 129F?... and when was the NOA1...
11 n/a
ScottThuyMaleVietnam2009-07-19 16:15:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionneed info
#8 depends on you is your dependant... see your 2008 tax filing to see if you claim any beside you... if you have a son and provide support/ he is dependant upon you to some degree.
her daughter is not a dependant.. yet.
if no previous .. say none.


#3 petition is for her... accompanying her is her daughter.. second section of item 3 it does not ask about her relationship...
ScottThuyMaleVietnam2009-07-19 16:01:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionIs petioners birth certificate necessary at interview?..
QUOTE (Maverick64 @ Jul 27 2009, 03:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
or is the passport ok?

Both are needed and the birth cert needs to be original...
ScottThuyMaleVietnam2009-07-27 15:44:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionYour case requires additional processing in our office
QUOTE (thepizzadude @ Aug 14 2009, 10:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (iTuan @ Aug 14 2009, 05:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Interview on July 13 2009 and got a blue pager for additional evident and time line on Aug 10th 2009
I came back in on the same day and talked to a CFO. He took the evident and ask for a relationship time line
On the following day, I came back in and hand it to the same CFO and ask him to review. He ask for additional evident that support the reason why I did not visit VN from 2003 to 2008 but when came back in 2008 and propose to her. I knew her from 2001.
I came back on July 16 with the evident. This time the same CFO that interview her came out and talk to me. Quote: This is not a perfect system. Sometime real case did not get to go and some time fake case got to go. evidents are not reliable and I and to base on the interview.

Come Aug 10th. She waited until 5 PM and there are still over 50 people are waiting. She was called to the window and a Vietnamese lady hand her this blue paper:
"The Consulate General is unable to issue a visa to you because you have been found ineligible under the following section(s) of the U.S Immigration and National Act, as amended:
Section 221 (g) of the Act porhibits the issuance of a visa to anyone who has failed to present the documents required in connection with the visa application, or who has failed to submit sufficient credible evidence to support the claimed petitionable relationship. The following remarks apply in your case.***
Your case requires additional processing in our office. You do not need to submit further documents. We will contact you when we have finished processing your case. Case inquiries may be made by e-mail hcmcinfo@state.gov or by mail.***"

I am not sure if this is good or not but I am lose. Have anyone ever been in this situation and got a pink letter in the mail?
anyone have any suggestion are welcome. you can contact me at 727-452-3311

Please help!!!!!!


What Scott said and I WOULD EDIT THE POST and remove your phone #. This is a public forum and anyone can get at it including telemarketers.

Takes a MOD to edit at this point..

ScottThuyMaleVietnam2009-08-15 16:17:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionYour case requires additional processing in our office
QUOTE (iTuan @ Aug 14 2009, 06:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Interview on July 13 2009 and got a blue pager for additional evident and time line on Aug 10th 2009
I came back in on the same day and talked to a CFO. He took the evident and ask for a relationship time line
On the following day, I came back in and hand it to the same CFO and ask him to review. He ask for additional evident that support the reason why I did not visit VN from 2003 to 2008 but when came back in 2008 and propose to her. I knew her from 2001.
I came back on July 16 with the evident. This time the same CFO that interview her came out and talk to me. Quote: This is not a perfect system. Sometime real case did not get to go and some time fake case got to go. evidents are not reliable and I and to base on the interview.

Come Aug 10th. She waited until 5 PM and there are still over 50 people are waiting. She was called to the window and a Vietnamese lady hand her this blue paper:
"The Consulate General is unable to issue a visa to you because you have been found ineligible under the following section(s) of the U.S Immigration and National Act, as amended:
Section 221 (g) of the Act porhibits the issuance of a visa to anyone who has failed to present the documents required in connection with the visa application, or who has failed to submit sufficient credible evidence to support the claimed petitionable relationship. The following remarks apply in your case.***
Your case requires additional processing in our office. You do not need to submit further documents. We will contact you when we have finished processing your case. Case inquiries may be made by e-mail hcmcinfo@state.gov or by mail.***"

I am not sure if this is good or not but I am lose. Have anyone ever been in this situation and got a pink letter in the mail?
anyone have any suggestion are welcome. you can contact me at 727-452-3311

Please help!!!!!!

A number of others at HCMC consulate are having same issue.. see posts in Asia East area of VJ for more insight about this as there has been much discussion about it in the past week
ScottThuyMaleVietnam2009-08-14 17:45:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionPacket 3 and 4
Read through this... Flow Chart
ScottThuyMaleVietnam2009-07-31 16:50:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionHCMC turned in requested items told now under review
QUOTE (MichaelAndKha @ Aug 15 2009, 06:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thank you for your response to this. I know it's a good idea to wait and see about the disposition. Either way I'm still going to Vietnam for the engagement ceremony. I may end up coming back to the US without my fiance and have to wait longer for her to get a visa.

I was doing some research on getting married in Vietnam and it doesn't look that simple.

You had a huge red flag by not having engagement ceremony yet... they likely have you in the fraud detection queue with several others... just means that after 2 blues they are not comfortable and want the additional time to be sure... not much you can do.... you can call or write your congressman or senator... it doesnt mean denial.. just not approved yet.... get the Dam Hoi ASAP... that way they can't hold that against you...
ScottThuyMaleVietnam2009-08-16 19:05:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionHCMC turned in requested items told now under review
QUOTE (ScottThuy @ Aug 14 2009, 06:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (iTuan @ Aug 14 2009, 06:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (ScottThuy @ Aug 13 2009, 03:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (vi&art @ Aug 13 2009, 03:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello I am new to the site I joined sometime ago and have just not really used the site other then to get inspiration from all it's great members
my current situation is as follows my fiance had her interview in may and was given a green sheet requesting more information. we turned in all requested documents last week. after a 5 hour wait she was given a paper saying our case is under further review. she asked what next and was told she could inquire as to case status in 2 weeks by email or phone call.
my question is what now. do we just email and ask for status, I am at a loss. I feel we have provided everything we could and that was asked for.
maybe it is just nervousness and uncertainty on my part but it is our future they hold.
if anyone in the HCMC portal has any insight please respond thanks in advance for i know all of you are great folks from reading this site.
art

several others here same situation... email them in a few weeks nd you can also call... can be anywhere from a few weeks to months before they decide...

timeline.gif


Hello there,

How do you call them and talk to a consular?

Information Resource Center

U.S. Consulate General
65 le Loi, 9 Fl., Saigon Centre Building
Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Tel: (84-8) 821-6400
Fax: (84-8) 821-6405
uscongenhcmc@state.gov

Its hit or miss to be able to talk to someone.. afternoons between 1 and 3 is best as mornings everyone is very busy...

Oops
From 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
ScottThuyMaleVietnam2009-08-14 17:29:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionHCMC turned in requested items told now under review
QUOTE (iTuan @ Aug 14 2009, 06:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (ScottThuy @ Aug 13 2009, 03:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (vi&art @ Aug 13 2009, 03:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello I am new to the site I joined sometime ago and have just not really used the site other then to get inspiration from all it's great members
my current situation is as follows my fiance had her interview in may and was given a green sheet requesting more information. we turned in all requested documents last week. after a 5 hour wait she was given a paper saying our case is under further review. she asked what next and was told she could inquire as to case status in 2 weeks by email or phone call.
my question is what now. do we just email and ask for status, I am at a loss. I feel we have provided everything we could and that was asked for.
maybe it is just nervousness and uncertainty on my part but it is our future they hold.
if anyone in the HCMC portal has any insight please respond thanks in advance for i know all of you are great folks from reading this site.
art

several others here same situation... email them in a few weeks nd you can also call... can be anywhere from a few weeks to months before they decide...

timeline.gif


Hello there,

How do you call them and talk to a consular?

Information Resource Center

U.S. Consulate General
65 le Loi, 9 Fl., Saigon Centre Building
Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Tel: (84-8) 821-6400
Fax: (84-8) 821-6405
uscongenhcmc@state.gov

Its hit or miss to be able to talk to someone.. afternoons between 1 and 3 is best as mornings everyone is very busy...
ScottThuyMaleVietnam2009-08-14 17:21:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionHCMC turned in requested items told now under review
QUOTE (vi&art @ Aug 13 2009, 03:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello I am new to the site I joined sometime ago and have just not really used the site other then to get inspiration from all it's great members
my current situation is as follows my fiance had her interview in may and was given a green sheet requesting more information. we turned in all requested documents last week. after a 5 hour wait she was given a paper saying our case is under further review. she asked what next and was told she could inquire as to case status in 2 weeks by email or phone call.
my question is what now. do we just email and ask for status, I am at a loss. I feel we have provided everything we could and that was asked for.
maybe it is just nervousness and uncertainty on my part but it is our future they hold.
if anyone in the HCMC portal has any insight please respond thanks in advance for i know all of you are great folks from reading this site.
art

several others here same situation... email them in a few weeks nd you can also call... can be anywhere from a few weeks to months before they decide...

timeline.gif

Edited by ScottThuy, 13 August 2009 - 02:31 PM.

ScottThuyMaleVietnam2009-08-13 14:30:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionCouple to attend K1 interview together?
QUOTE (JimVaPhuong @ Aug 27 2009, 11:36 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (DaleandPat @ Jul 26 2009, 12:29 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (DEDixon @ Jul 25 2009, 03:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I went to the RP 5 times in a year and a half (felt good to get that free flight from Philippines Airline... finally!). I went to the interview, but I didn't go into the interview with my fiancee. It is her interview so they often don't want the USC in there to interrupt the flow of it all. The COs are just normal employees trying to get through a day of work so to some of the COs, the USC is considered a pain in the back side. I think visiting your fiancee 3 times helps you, but I don't think attending the interview helps anyone especially when trip number 2 is for the interview (my opinion).


I have been wondering about the USC attending the interview. I believe you are right if the petitioner is there they might be in the way. Something that I wondered also is if the petitioner is there the interviewer may perceive this to be a possible coercion. A possible case for forcing the Filipina. This would be a chance for the Filipina to think over if she really wants to do this. Just a thought.


I have never once heard of a case of a visa being denied because the CO thought the beneficiary was being coerced or manipulated into applying for the visa. If anything, they would think the opposite - the beneficiary is playing the petitioner in order to get a visa.

When the CO doesn't want the petitioner to participate in the interview it's usually because they don't want the petitioner feeding answers to the beneficiary, or trying to put pressure on the CO. The petitioner isn't the one applying for the visa.

My opinion is if you can attend the interview then you definitely should do so. In every story I've read where the petitioner attended the interview, they either said it helped or didn't make any difference. I've never read anything where someone thought it hurt their case.

IMO the only way it could hurt is it the petitioner did not know much if anything about the beneficiary or the family...

ScottThuyMaleVietnam2009-08-27 10:40:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionState Dept Investigation of US Embassy Contractor
Watchdog questions security at U.S. Embassy in Kabul

Overwork, language barriers and obscene, drunken behaviour among guards at the U.S. Embassy in Afghanistan is causing a breakdown in discipline that is jeopardizing security, a watchdog group said on Tuesday. Skip related content

The nonpartisan Project on Government Oversight sent U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton a letter documenting complaints about guards working for ArmorGroup, North America, and photos of nearly naked men behaving lewdly at their camp.

"These are very serious allegations and we are treating them that way," State Department spokesman Ian Kelly said at a briefing, adding the issue had been turned over to the department's inspector general.

Kelly was unable to say if the State Department was satisfied with ArmorGroup's performance or when the documents were sent to the inspector general. He said the State Department had "zero tolerance for the type of conduct that is alleged in these documents."

Pictures obtained by POGO showed guards, barely dressed in G-string style outfits, dancing around a bonfire and urinating while others snapped photographs. Video showed them pouring alcohol down the bare backside of a new recruit and trying to drink it as it spilt from the recruit's buttocks.

ArmorGroup, North America, a subsidiary of Wackenhut Services Inc., had no immediate comment on the letter or the allegations. The firm employs 450 guards to provide security at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul under a five-year, $189 million (117 million pound) contract with the U.S. State Department.

About 150 guards are Americans or from other English-speaking countries. The remaining 300 are identified by POGO as Gurkhas from northern India and Nepal who speak little or no English. About 1,000 U.S. diplomats, staff and Afghan nationals work at the embassy.

The 10-page letter to Clinton cites several shortcomings with the security contractor, including 14-hour workdays and a rotating day and overnight shift schedule that leaves the guards exhausted and sleep-deprived.

"LORD OF THE FLIES" ENVIRONMENT

It said the language barrier between English-speakers and Gurkhas was so severe it would be difficult for them to communicate in a crisis.

And it cited a "'Lord of the Flies' environment" among English-speakers at the camp where the men are stationed, marked by hazing of new recruits, drunkenness and lewd conduct.

Since the contract was awarded in 2007, the State Department has repeatedly warned ArmorGroup that it was failing to meet contractual requirements. A State Department inspection in March 2009 found at least 18 guards were absent from their posts due to supervisory negligence.

Despite the failings, the State Department agreed in June to extend the contract for the coming year, and Wackenhut Vice President Sam Brinkley told the Senate the embassy guard had been fully staffed since January 2009.

In its letter to Clinton, POGO challenged the notion of effective staffing and said it had spoken to about 10 percent of the expatriate guard force at the embassy, or 15 guards.

They provided "evidence of a pattern of blatant, longstanding violations of the security contract, and of a pervasive breakdown in the chain of command and guard force discipline and morale," POGO Executive Director Danielle Brian said in the letter.

She added that annual turnover among the expatriate guard force in Kabul was as high as 100 percent and the guard force commander reported in a memo in April that chronic staff shortages were leading to sleep deprivation among the men.

Brian urged the State Department to put Kabul embassy security under military supervision and consider initiating suspension proceedings against ArmorGroup and Wackenhut.

(Editing by Paul Simao)

http://uk.news.yahoo...-81f3b62_1.html

Embassy Investigation Video
ScottThuyMaleVietnam2009-09-02 20:53:00