Hi, Everyone:
This website is a useful tool for obtaining information but it seems to me that we're still operating as individuals rather than a group. With some targeted political activism, it seems to me we'd have a better chance of getting results.

I was spurred to try to stir up some action by an April 3 call to the USCIS - apparently the wait has now increased from six months to eight months for action on an I-129 application at the California Service Center. This despite the reported increases in personnel.

I'm also concerned about the apparent violation of statute when it comes to allowing fiances to work. An official with the Ameican Immigration Lawyers Association told me categorically that the K-1 visa allows the fiance to work the minute he or she sets foot on American soil. Yet the USCIS is requiring yet another fee and application, which delays the fiance's ability to work for another 3-4 months, while he or she waits for the agency to issue the permit. There are additional cost factors related to poor planning for this process, but you get the picture.

I'm sure those of you who are applying for other kinds of visas have similar issues.

The point is that, if my last phone call is any indication, things seem to be getting worse rather than better, despite the resignation of Emilio Gonzalez, the Bush appointee who has been responsible for many of the bad decisions that are affecting us.

I'm sure I'm not the first to suggest some kind of concerted political action. Can folks get me up to date on what's been done so far? Here are the ideas that spring to mind for me:

1. Letter writing campaign.
2. Demonstrations in several cities, with media outreach.
3. Website designed specifically to inform public about these issues.

Have these already gotten underway? If not, are people willing to volunteer a few hours to work on this? Does anyone have political organizing experience? Can we coordinate with immigrant rights groups?

Let me know!

Susan

Wow! terrible wayting delay...similar to the Cr-1 visas...I'm still happy realizing that we deciding exclusively (and not running 2 rabbits in the same time) for that step even if it appeared a long wait at 1st sight...in the long run it was similar to other visa's timelins but all the paperwork done once and for all....My heart goes to you guys!!!

This might be something you might want to look into. Someone forwarded me the link as I have always tried to be involved in immigration reform (please see my blog linked below) although I don't know much about the group yet. I am just lurking and trying to get a feel for what they are about.

Thanks! Very interesting. I will give them a call and find out more. I'll post whatever I find out here.....

I'm not sure but this pertains to dem. political party. I know that Reps also fight for the same rights...Does this oblige people involved to get into partisaneries??