Embassy requesting copies of deportation paperwork...?

[Tongan One 0]

Hello All

PLEASE HELP. IT MAY SEEM STUPID TO ALL OF YOU BUT I AM ON MY OWN WITH THIS.

My husband is overseas so his file was transferred to Fiji for his interview - FINALLY - and April 1st he had his interview (YAY!).

My husband was very confused by them during the time he was there.

They had him leave and come back 4 times over 3 days. English is his second language and since he has been away from the US for so long he hasn't had a whole lot of practice.

He also gets really intimidated by "officials" and tends to try to look like he understands everything as he should instead of asking more questions.

So when he left there they had told him we had to turn in some new copies of some of the paperwork because the ones they had were too "old" - since Immigration in California had them for 2 years.

Not a problem - with most of it.

But he said they are needing copies of his Immigration paperwork too.

The deportation paperwork is there but not "legible" due to it being hauled around since 2003.

Do they mean copies of everything he has ever had or JUST the deportation paperwork?

That embassy has given me wrong information over the last few years so I can't depend on them telling me exactly what is needed.

Maybe you guys can tell me if I should just get everything (and what "everything" means) just in case?

And how long are FOIAs taking now that they are trackable?

[elmcitymaven 9,712]

We really need more information about what you're filing for here -- you have Removing Conditions in your profile, but you seem to be filing for a visa for your husband (correct me if I'm wrong). I'm moving this to the US Embassy and Consulate forum since this appears to be a consulate issue. Hopefully someone there will be able to help, but it would be useful if you could mention which visa your husband is applying for.

[Tongan One 0]

We really need more information about what you're filing for here -- you have Removing Conditions in your profile, but you seem to be filing for a visa for your husband (correct me if I'm wrong). I'm moving this to the US Embassy and Consulate forum since this appears to be a consulate issue. Hopefully someone there will be able to help, but it would be useful if you could mention which visa your husband is applying for.

Ok thank you! and to clarify:

We aren't removing conditions - I'll try to figure out how to change that.

The visa we are applying for is the spousal visa.

The I-130 and two necessary waivers (212 and 601) have been filed already. They took the waivers and hardship letter (along with the 4 pounds of documentation) at the time of his interview.

It was then they told him we needed the new copies of some of the paperwork.

The embassy has not been helpful and they have provided misinformation numerous times which has added time to this whole process.

All they have said is that they want new copies of "Immigration paperwork from the US"...?

The papers he was deported with have been packed around for 6+ years and were worn in places to the point of some illegibility.

Originally we were told they would be fine but now are not.

So what should I get from Immigration here in the US? All possible records...?

Since we now have a trackable system - does anyone know if times are shorter?

And if it is the deportation paperwork only -- can I get it from some other agency or department?

Thank you.

[JimVaPhuong 4,865]

They're being vague in their request, and it's not possible for us to try to second guess what they're asking for.

If it were me, I'd try to get fresh copies of everything I could possibly get and submit it. Better to bury them in a blizzard of paperwork than to not have enough. You've spent too much time on this already to try to do this one document at a time.

Also, talk to your fiance about his demeanor at the interview. The CO's at some consulates are like predatory animals, and they can smell fear and anxiety a mile away. To them, fear equals fraud. He needs to be confidant and carry himself like he deserves what he's asking for.