I just visited the Dep't of State's website today and came across this webpage:
http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/immigrants_1340.html
About part way down is this:
"See Important Notice and Visa Policy Telegram for American citizens resident abroad, filing an I-130 immigrant petition for an immediate relative. All I-130 petitions must now be filed with USCIS."
Clicking on the "Important Notice" reveals:
"Recent legislation has led to changes in the procedures American citizens resident abroad will follow if they wish to sponsor an immediate relative (spouse, parent or minor child) for an immigrant visa. Effective immediately, the immediate relative petition (I-130) must be filed with the USCIS office responsible for the petitioner's place of residence (that is, the place of residence of the American citizen who is filing the petition). Consular offices at U.S. embassies and consulates are no longer authorized to accept I-130s, although they will continue to provide guidance to American citizen petitioners and their family members. Responsibility for acceptance and approval of immigrant visa petitions rests solely with USCIS. American citizens should submit their I-130 at the CIS office responsible for their place of residence.
"This procedural change may result in a processing delay for some applicants. The Department of State recognizes and sincerely regrets the inconvenience this may cause."
I know that this is going to be a disappointment for some, but it looks like we don't have much of a choice. seems like they have been changing more than just the I-130 itself, but part of the procedure. You may wish to sticky this post.