ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
USCIS Service CentersPolitical Organizing to Protest USCIS Delays
Exactly, but it doesn't have to be that way. I don't think citizens from the "terrorist" countries should all be painted with the bad brush either, but I would understand the federal government's inclination to wait until they are U.S. citizens before giving their American spouses top security clearences.

Afterall, several of the 9/11 hijackers were from Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Egypt (unless you believe they are still alive as some media sources report), yet those countries are not on the State Department's list and for rightful reason.

I think this is a law that can and should change to allow permanent residents of non-State sponsored terrorist countries similar rights as their U.S. citizen counterparts. There are plenty of Americans who are less qualified to have these positions and yet get cleared. I understand nothing will change for now, but nothing ever does by accepting its reality and not challenging it.

Edited by Jack and Barbara, 15 April 2008 - 01:15 PM.

Jack and BarbaraMaleBrazil2008-04-15 13:14:00
USCIS Service CentersPolitical Organizing to Protest USCIS Delays
QUOTE (TracyTN @ Apr 15 2008, 10:43 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You're right - Brazil is not one of the top 10 countries for terrorism. But if they started discriminating in their processes based on where the immigrant was from, can you imagine the endless stream of lawsuits??

Unfortunately, we chose to marry non US born spouses and there are sure to be some consequences of that - many of which do not seem fair to us. I still would not have it any other way.


I would have it another way...

I disagree with you there because there is a list of countries that do sponsor terrorism and that we do have an embargo against and it is understandable that they would automatically be out of the running. I don't think all other countries should be penalized because of a few. I think there woudl be fewer lawsuits then there are now because people from syria, north korea, etc are already on notice of the U.S. State Department's policy with their countries.

Some consequences don't seem fair and don't have to be. Have tighter restrictions on those known countries (i.e. syria, north korea, iran) that we have declared sponsor terrorism. Don't discriminate against permanent residents who are applying for citizenship.

State Sponsors of Terrorism
Jack and BarbaraMaleBrazil2008-04-15 12:16:00
USCIS Service CentersPolitical Organizing to Protest USCIS Delays
QUOTE (TracyTN @ Apr 14 2008, 11:20 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Kevin and Tuyen @ Apr 11 2008, 03:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (TracyTN @ Apr 11 2008, 08:37 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Beyond that, have you ever known the government to implement anything quickly? Common sense alone should tell you it would take some time.


It didn't take long for the Patriot Act or the formation of DHS


I would venture to say that the main reason for that was the extreme circumstances from which those were both born. Apples/oranges.

Unfortunately, Joe Q. American doesn't see immigration as something requiring immediate attention It's only those of us with foreign spouses or relatives (who are paying the now higher fees) that give a tinker's damn about how fast the immigration process is (or isn't). Sad but true.


*edited for clarity*


I found out last week that I am not eligible for certain clearences (SCI) with the government until my fiancee becomes not a conditional resident, not a permanent resident, but a U.S. citizen. I always wondered if marrying someone from outside the U.S. would have negative consequences, and now my fears have been realized.

I would understand that if I was marrying someone from a country that sponsors terrorism, I would have no shot at these types of clearences. However, Brazil is not in the top 10 of that list and regardless, no non-U.S. citizen is allowed to be an immediate relative in order to be eligible for this clearence.

The worst part of it is that it is a rule by the government to not be eligible for these clearences based off of an immeadiate relative pursuing citizenship. It is also the same government that is delaying citizenship to be granted for 4-5 years. That's a long time to be ineligible for the same clearence that any married couple with U.S. citizenship is eligible for.
Jack and BarbaraMaleBrazil2008-04-14 13:15:00
USCIS Service CentersPolitical Organizing to Protest USCIS Delays
QUOTE (NickD @ Apr 12 2008, 09:59 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Key problem is we are in the minority on the immigration issue, 65K come in on HIB's, 50K from the lottery, 140K from marriages, and have no idea where these 600K came in to apply for US citizenship before the rates went up which seems to be the major excuse for the delays. But apparently congress was putting the screws to the USCIS as they wanted more people to vote. Just doesn't sound right.


Possibly illegal immigrants, those who had no reason/incentive to apply before, or those who didn't have the money at the time to apply. For the illegal immigrant part, I think there is a a rule that if a person had been in this country for a long enough period, he or she could be granted citizenship. Am I correct on this one?
Jack and BarbaraMaleBrazil2008-04-12 23:20:00
USCIS Service CentersPolitical Organizing to Protest USCIS Delays
QUOTE (rebeccajo @ Apr 11 2008, 05:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Kevin and Tuyen @ Apr 11 2008, 04:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (TracyTN @ Apr 11 2008, 08:37 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Beyond that, have you ever known the government to implement anything quickly? Common sense alone should tell you it would take some time.


It didn't take long for the Patriot Act or the formation of DHS


Since you have an opinion, why don't you enlighten us as to how long it did take?

And how well (or not) each functions now.

If it's your conclusion that DHS isn't functioning well, is it because it happened to quickly? Because it wasn't well thought out?


Formation of DHS took a couple of years to put together, which is relatively quick to put together an agency. At the same time, it brought different subagencies from other agencies. Examples include INS from DOJ, TSA from Transportation and Customs from Treasury. These were then combined into the subagencies of DHS (i.e. ICE, CIS, CBP, TSA, etc).

In sum, it didn't take long to form DHS, but that might be part of the reason DHS has been heavily criticized. Some subagencies were not planned out sufficiently beforehand.

Edited by Jack and Barbara, 12 April 2008 - 11:12 PM.

Jack and BarbaraMaleBrazil2008-04-12 23:11:00
USCIS Service CentersPolitical Organizing to Protest USCIS Delays
QUOTE (rebeccajo @ Apr 8 2008, 05:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Jack and Barbara @ Apr 8 2008, 11:57 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (rebeccajo @ Apr 8 2008, 10:38 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Jack and Barbara @ Apr 8 2008, 10:19 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Sometimes it makes me laugh when I think it would be quicker and possibly cheaper to get my SO over here illegally (not that I would ever seriously consider it).


I know you were joking, but I really don't think it's anything to laugh about.

You wouldn't want someone you love to live always looking over their shoulder.


Well, that's the irony of it. That it would be "quicker and possibly cheaper" for a loved one to come over illegally than to come through legal immigration. There is some incentive for those to do just that, even at the expense of living in fear.


Maybe that's where I see things quite a bit differently than you based upon where my husband and I are with his immigration.

You are still separated. We aren't.

At this point it's only natural for speed of reunification to be your top priority.

We however went through a very lengthy and stressful 17 month adjustment of status. I'm keenly aware of how tenuous an immigrants presence can be in our country. You see, even though we were reunited, I sometimes wondered if it were possible my husband could be sent back home.

My main issues with DHS/USCIS are transparency of the process as it regards the background investigations of our loved ones, and due process insofar as their legal rights are concerned.

I wanted to be reunited with my husband. But more importantly, I wanted a long life with him here in the US without the interference of the US government, and with their blessing.


I don't think we're disagreeing with each other ultimately. I'm talking about how it is ironic that some would consider the illegal route because of the bureacracy involved with USCIS and the lengthy process. Obviously, it is still worth the wait because our SOs would immigrate here legally.

Racial profiling isnt going away anytime soon, but so long as our SOs come here legally and get through the AOS and become naturalized (albeit a very lengthy process), they aren't going to be deported. We haven't gotten to the AOS step yet, but from almost 2 1/2 years of seeing each other 2x a year, I can say on my own that the distance has not been easy, but it's worth the wait.

Hopefully, with some pressure on the government, USCIS, etc, the wait will shorten for us all.
Jack and BarbaraMaleBrazil2008-04-08 18:47:00
USCIS Service CentersPolitical Organizing to Protest USCIS Delays
QUOTE (rebeccajo @ Apr 8 2008, 10:38 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Jack and Barbara @ Apr 8 2008, 10:19 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Sometimes it makes me laugh when I think it would be quicker and possibly cheaper to get my SO over here illegally (not that I would ever seriously consider it).


I know you were joking, but I really don't think it's anything to laugh about.

You wouldn't want someone you love to live always looking over their shoulder.


Well, that's the irony of it. That it would be "quicker and possibly cheaper" for a loved one to come over illegally than to come through legal immigration. There is some incentive for those to do just that, even at the expense of living in fear.
Jack and BarbaraMaleBrazil2008-04-08 10:57:00
USCIS Service CentersPolitical Organizing to Protest USCIS Delays
Sometimes it makes me laugh when I think it would be quicker and possibly cheaper to get my SO over here illegally (not that I would ever seriously consider it).
Jack and BarbaraMaleBrazil2008-04-08 09:19:00
USCIS Service CentersPolitical Organizing to Protest USCIS Delays
Hi Gaby,

I'm not familar with this (plead ignorance), what is the widow's penalty? I'm sure I could google it but it would be beneficial to post as well.

Thanks.
Jack and BarbaraMaleBrazil2008-04-05 20:54:00
USCIS Service CentersPolitical Organizing to Protest USCIS Delays
QUOTE (coyote @ Apr 4 2008, 04:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I also wanted to mention that I got a reply from the site's administrator. Apparently, Visajourney.com started as a few individuals who did take political action in the form of well-organized protests outside a USCIS office and raising media awareness. And they tell me they are willing to help coordinate this kind of thing again. So please let me know if you guys are willing to do a little work on this. I want to get some advice from these DC people about what would be most effective -- nobody has time, I'm sure, to do a lot of work on this, but it seems like a good time politically to gain some leverage.


Protests get press but even war ones have not had the effect the organizers have desired. Doesn't seem so much about less support for the cause, but less interest in protesting in general and its effectiveness. Also lying in the streets of DC like the most recent ones only pisses off commuters.

Any sort of demonstration that negatively effects anyone (USCIS employees, citizens) other than those who have the power to make a change in the USCIS will only backfire as people who were sympathetic to our situation or at least indifferent would now feel cynical towards it.

Would contacting local congressmen at a more local (state) level be a good start? If enough people petiton for something on a small level and gets state media coverage, that might turn into national coverage. I first joined VJ a few months ago after becoming aware of it in the Washington Post.

Finding Love Abroad, Then Support Online for Visa Quest
Jack and BarbaraMaleBrazil2008-04-04 19:38:00
USCIS Service CentersPolitical Organizing to Protest USCIS Delays
I think immigrants coming to this country should be able to work after they receive a SSN. Of course, there are plenty of exceptions such as any kind of secret or TS clearence-realted job, but waiting another 3+ months to be able to work seems like an unnecessary cost to the petitioner and another burden to the USCIS.

Some people are issued a temporary work authorization at the POE. Why should some be able to work but not others?
Jack and BarbaraMaleBrazil2008-04-04 15:38:00
ThailandFinding a Lawyer to help with Fiancee in Thailand

Personally I don't think a lawyer is worth it... there's no need to add the extra fees to hire one on top of what the K1 process will already cost you. If you're willing to take the time to prepare a thorough application yourself then that's the way to go. Follow the guides on this site and you'll be fine. Despite what they may say, a lawyer will not speed up the actual process, you won't get an approval any quicker than someone who filed a complete application themselves. Just be sure to pay attention to the details so that you don't leave anything out and end up with an RFE! 


jenni17FemalePeru2013-05-16 19:16:00
ThailandEmployment Authorization before or after green card interview?

Hello...." A friend" of my wife filed for green card and EAD the 1st week of December, They

have an appointment for GC interview the first week in March. She has been working at a major worldwide, public image concerned company for 1 week now. She told them she did not have EAD yet, but would arrive soon in the mail.

 

     The company put in her SSN in the place of work authorization box and also SSN in place of A #. ( she forgot to bring with her) She will get her first paycheck next week and is concerned she will be deported because she is working illeagally. I keep telling them they should get EAD in the mail anyday, but nothing yet.

 

What is the worst that can happen?

What is likley to happen?

Is she supposed to get EAD before GC interview?

 

     Thank you........

 

Tell her to check the status of the EAD card using her case number on the USCIS web site, if the card is on it's way it should have the status as card in production. My husband's just changed to that status on Monday, we filed for AOS/EAD the first week in December, he had his biometrics interview on January 10th, it took a little under 2.5 months for the EAD to be approved, we're still waiting for the card to arrive in the mail. She's right to be worried though, if she hasn't yet received the EAD she is currently working illegally


Edited by jenni17, 22 February 2014 - 01:31 PM.

jenni17FemalePeru2014-02-22 13:28:00
USCIS Service CentersWhat is going on with CSC?

VSC has barely touched applications from November 2012... according to Igors list there have only been 2 november approvals total... and as for october they aren't even half way through... i'm not sure where youre getting your info from


jenni17FemalePeru2013-05-05 18:14:00
USCIS Service CentersI'm so depressed :( come on vsc!!

I was advised by my attorney not to contact my congressman. This may delay processing because they may "pull my file." Should not we law abiding, tax paying, US citizens live without fear of threats and retribution from some government agency? Is anybody paying attention to the IRS scandal? That said, still a long wait ahead.

That's not true as many people on this forum can attest to. Contacting your lawmakers is not a sure way to get the NOA2, it may not help at all but in some cases it does. It will in no way affect your case negatively. If fact I called VSC on Monday and he told me that scheduling an Infopass or contacting my congressmen were his suggestions... That being said I don't think i would try contacting them before 5 months, not because they could pull your file but because i don't think you'll be successful until you've been waiting over the average amount of time. But for all of us that passed the 5 month mark while VSC still had a 5 mo posting time I think we still have a valid argument for complaint. Like you said we pay taxes and freedom of speech is a principal this country was founded on. USCIS cannot take action against you for bringing complaints against them to your senator or congressman. 


jenni17FemalePeru2013-05-24 04:38:00
USCIS Service CentersI-129F - October filers
I'm a November filer but here's my time line in signature...I'm praying for all of you...
NkybabyFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-01-26 14:18:00
CaribbeanJamaican Embassy Interview
What ah ring bam bam ba eh, when di two sevens clash? Straight passe passe in ya. :rofl: :rofl: Lets just spread the (L) and stay in tack with the purpose of this site is to help each other out in our long, expensive, time consuming journey. Apart from that, Bless, confirm with the Bahamian police how long will it take to process the certificate and purchase a prepaid UPS or whatever courier label to help speed up the process.
Sasha_CoolFemaleJamaica2010-06-07 23:30:00
CaribbeanJamaica: Packet 3 - Sent via DHL or Reg. mail?
For us I emailed them the ds-230 signed and they sent via mail both myself and fiance a copy of packet 3 (a checklist of all the forms and how to access them on the internet, no actualy papers were printed) and packet 4(interview date). Also, you can download the medical forms on state.gov website, but my fiance said that the hospital provides them as well. I would send my fiance the medical form on the website just in case the embassy try to throw you for a loop for not having it on the right form.
Sasha_CoolFemaleJamaica2010-07-27 10:11:00
VietnamStock And The Engagement Ring
AAPL Posted Image

imho, is a better bet
EmelyNJoelMalePhilippines2012-06-14 21:23:00
CaribbeanNeed advice-petition sent to Kingston, what do I do next?
Aishah,

Did you guys actually receive a paper packet 3 or just an email? If you did receive the paper packet can you tell me how far your fiancee is from Kingston...just wondering about mail delivery times. My fiance is in the country in Westmoreland. Is your fiance closer? We haven't received packet 3 yet. Thanks for any info you can provide. I'm just posting it here because it will be helpful to others also.

Thanks,

Angele
angeleFemaleJamaica2012-03-02 09:00:00
CaribbeanNeed advice-petition sent to Kingston, what do I do next?

Im sorry..Never saw this response. But yes..there were several other forms:

DS-156
DS-156k
Affadavit of Support I-134
DS-157


Thanks for the info.
angeleFemaleJamaica2012-02-24 20:06:00
CaribbeanNeed advice-petition sent to Kingston, what do I do next?
Great that you guys got the package. I'm guessing ours will come in about a week then. What was in the package? I'm assuming a paper copy of the DS-230. Anything else? Thanks!
angeleFemaleJamaica2012-02-19 10:46:00
CaribbeanNeed advice-petition sent to Kingston, what do I do next?
This is all I wrote to KingstonIV@state.gov

"Hello,

Can you please tell me if our visa application has arrived at the
embassy. NVC said it was sent Feb. 3.

Thank you in advance for your help."

My subject line was 2nd Inquiry Case Number KNG....

Here was their response, which it seems would probably apply as well to your case.

"Good Day:
We are in receipt of the I - 129F petition From NVC. However, U.S.
Embassy Kingston will schedule your K1 visa appointment when we have
received the completed DS-230 form. If you have not yet received
instructions to complete the DS-230 form, please fill it out and email
it to kingstoniv@state.gov or mail to: Attn: Immigrant Visa Unit, 142
Old Hope Rd., Kingston 6.

DS-230 Part I&II- http://www.state.gov...ation/81807.pdf

Regards,
Kingston IV"

My fiance still hasn't received anything from them via regular mail and I have not submitted the DS-230 yet, because I'm trying to shoot for an interview date while I'm there visiting in early April. It really looks like interviews are scheduled for a month after receipt of the DS-230 so I don't want to submit it too early.

I say all this to say, even if you haven't received a response from Kingston you could probably go ahead and email them the DS-230 if you want to keep the ball rolling.
angeleFemaleJamaica2012-02-17 16:36:00
CaribbeanNeed advice-petition sent to Kingston, what do I do next?
NVC sent my petition to Kingston Friday (2/3). I emailed Kingston at KingstonIV@state.gov the 9th using my USCIS case number. I received no response then received a hard copy letter from NVC on Friday with my Kingston case number. Once I emailed Kingston with the subject line 2nd Inquiry and my Kingston case number I received a response today (2/13) saying they had my file and I should send (email or regular mail) DS230 and that they would set up the interview once they received that.

It also looks to me as if for most people once you submit the DS230 the interview is approximately one month later.

Hope this helps.
angeleFemaleJamaica2012-02-13 20:48:00
CaribbeanKingston Visa Fees

Hi, the fee is $350...i think your fiance was like mine and read too fast lol. I see the fee about $400 (i have my packet in hand as im typing) but then in bold print underneath that it says this fee does not apply to fiance/fiancee' (K1) or K3 visa applicants. Hope this helps! :) and good luck on your journey!!


Thank you so much! I think there was definitely a lack of careful reading. I haven't seen the letters and he was reading it to me over the phone. That completely explains it. Thank you again.
angeleFemaleJamaica2012-03-15 20:07:00
CaribbeanKingston Visa Fees
My fiance received Packet 3 today and there seemed to be conflicting information in the packet regarding visa fees. He said one letter said the visa fee was about $400. The other said it was $350. I thought the $400 might include a security fee I had read about for Kingston. Could someone with recent experience with Kingston tell me how much they had to pay in advance for the visa fee?

Thanks!
angeleFemaleJamaica2012-03-12 19:09:00
CaribbeanMedical?
Hi Shawna, I read your story and one thing popped into my mind. From what I understand they won't even do the interview if he doesn't have his medical papers...so I wonder if they'll even do the interview on Monday before he goes to see the psychologist.

I hope I'm wrong, but I thought it might be better to be prepared for that possibility.

I'm sorry to hear you guys are having trouble.
angeleFemaleJamaica2012-04-28 06:34:00
CaribbeanJamaica Filers - What do I do next....
http://www.visajourn...packet-34-info/

Here is the letter that comes with Packet 3, kindly posted by Nicole.

Contact the embassy to see if they've received your file from NVC and then ASAP email your fiance's signed DS-230. The interview is typically about one month after they receive your DS-230. You can ask that all documents be emailed to you so you'll get a copy of the appointment letter (considered a part of packet 4) and can schedule the medical. In the meantime, get on the police clearance and non-impediment.

I learned my interview was scheduled from Department of Homeland Security. Once I thought it should be scheduled. I called them about once a day to check in.

http://www.visajourn...maica-packet-3/

If you read through this post, you can see the series for contacting DHS (they have a really long series of prompts you have to through to speak to a person) and actual images of packet 3.
angeleFemaleJamaica2012-05-09 21:13:00
CaribbeanDoing the Happy Dance

thank you everyone . . . Cant believe the fare . . now just have to plan . . . any suggestions of what else I can accomplish while I am there? I mean I am going to take pics, pay for shots, leave tax information, get letter of intent . . . what else should I do while I am there in line with obtaining his K1 visa? Thank you for all your help.


You might as well get him to sign DS-230 and all that other post-NOA2 paperwork too just so it's out of the way.

Congratulations on your trip. 6 months is a long time!
angeleFemaleJamaica2012-06-05 16:27:00
CaribbeanDHL Jamaica

they do not deliver at personal address....


I talked to my fiance for more detail and he said they only deliver to Montego Bay in Westmoreland.
angeleFemaleJamaica2012-05-10 20:35:00
CaribbeanDHL Jamaica
It was J2050 to send the Visa to Montego Bay through DHL. Thought I responded to this last night, but guess I didn't post. It took about a week for delivery.

It was J2050 to send the Visa to Montego Bay through DHL. Thought I responded to this last night, but guess I didn't post. It took about a week for delivery.


My fiance lives in Bath Mountain and I don't think they would deliver to his home address.
angeleFemaleJamaica2012-05-09 20:54:00
USCIS Service CentersVSC Applications

Have you contacted your congressman?


Well, I live in Washington DC so I don't have a senator, but I contacted Sen. Dianne Feinstein's office in CA since that's where I'm from originally. A case worker is investigating on our behalf, but that takes a bit of time too. Still, better than nothing. As annoyed as my fiancee and I are with the amount of time it's taking, I think the lack of reliable information would be one of our biggest complaints. I've asked USCIS if anyone could tell me how long it took to process January 15 (as a frame of reference, since they are still on January 16), but no immigration officer I've spoken to would even give me anecdotal information about what's going on. I'm even more pissed about the lack of a fair and transparent process: not just VSC vs CSC, but even within the VSC itself there seems to be no rhyme or reason why some applications are given NOA2 before others that were submitted earlier. I don't particularly enjoy the feeling of thinking I'm getting screwed. And needless to say, this whole ordeal isn't leaving my fiancee with a very good impression of her soon-to-be adopted home country.
B+WWMaleSouth Korea2012-08-17 23:58:00
USCIS Service CentersVSC Applications
Our application is at Vermont and our NOA1 date is January 17, 2012. That means we've been waiting 213 days, or exactly 7 months as of tomorrow. I call USCIS several times a week to check on things (it seems the USCIS website may not always be updated immediately), and I've been told for several weeks now --say, since mid-July -- that they are currently processing January 16. That's coming from both the the Tier 1 people and immigration officers themselves with whom I've spoken. No service request possible, of course, because since they are still on 1/16 our app is technically with "normal" processing times. Serenity now, serenity now....
B+WWMaleSouth Korea2012-08-16 20:17:00