having a Congressman call/email the service center

[NonyGuy 0]

I'm sending in my papers at the end of next week. Recently in my office I spoke with a person who works directly under and certain US Congressman, and I built some good rapport wit him...he offered me I could fax a copy of the package I send to USCIC. He then said he could see if the Congressman could reach the USCIS and ask them to "expedite" things.

Do you think this could help things go faster?

or could this possibly backfire in my face?

[Dan J 277]

I'm sending in my papers at the end of next week. Recently in my office I spoke with a person who works directly under and certain US Congressman, and I built some good rapport wit him...he offered me I could fax a copy of the package I send to USCIC. He then said he could see if the Congressman could reach the USCIS and ask them to "expedite" things.

Do you think this could help things go faster?

or could this possibly backfire in my face?

They wont be able to help until your petition passes 6 months of processing time.

[TracyTN 237]

^^

Service Centers don't expedite just because a congressperson asked them to. There are few instances in which a case will be expedited - impending military deployment is likely the most common.

[Jasman0717 9]

I would recommend that you use the process as designed. Getting your elected representative(s) involved should only occur if you can't resolve an issue with the USCIS yourself. Can you imagine what would happen if everyone filing for a petition would do what you are proposing?

[TimsDaisy 0]

It won't backfire. But it probably won't help either. You can always try. Generally, the congressional office will receive an auto-reply that says they will respond in 30 days. And that response is generally more boilerplate saying the processing times are 6 months and if your case is past that, then let us know.

USCIS is really awful at working with members of congress. It's part of the Dept of Homeland Security's general stance toward other branches of government - which is basically open hostility and refusal to acknowledge the struture of American government.

Members of congress have MUCH better luck getting you help once your case reaches the State Department.

But if you're worried about some government worker taking revenge on your petition because you asked for help - DON'T BE. I see that worry on these boards a lot and it's foolish. The WORST that happens is that nothing happens faster for you.

To truly "expedite" a petition takes a showing of SIGNIFICANT hardship and damn good reasons. And I mean like really good reasons. Being pregnant doesn't cut it. Being in the military doesn't either - sometimes not even when the serviceman/woman is facing deployment shortly.

But you're always free to contact your representatives to ask for help. And letting them know about people going through the process and the time it takes isn't a bad idea either. We should keep our policy issues in their faces, don't let them get bogged down solely with the sexier side of immigration reform - the kind that looks scarier on TV and is more sensationalized.

[TimsDaisy 0]

Can you imagine what would happen if everyone filing for a petition would do what you are proposing?

Yes. Congress might actually take a good long look at the process and its deficiencies.

The process won't change if no one points out the problems with it.

[Trompe le Monde 1,107]

To truly "expedite" a petition takes a showing of SIGNIFICANT hardship and damn good reasons. And I mean like really good reasons. Being pregnant doesn't cut it. Being in the military doesn't either - sometimes not even when the serviceman/woman is facing deployment shortly.

Are you sure? I thought military personnel facing deployment were some of the few people who could.

[TimsDaisy 0]

To truly "expedite" a petition takes a showing of SIGNIFICANT hardship and damn good reasons. And I mean like really good reasons. Being pregnant doesn't cut it. Being in the military doesn't either - sometimes not even when the serviceman/woman is facing deployment shortly.

Are you sure? I thought military personnel facing deployment were some of the few people who could.

Yes, they are. But I've seen even some of them here STILL have trouble getting people to listen to them. I'm just emphasizing the difficulty of expediting the process. I can't remember the military VJers name now who was having issues with it, I think they resolved it favorably, but there were some tense weeks as well.

[LaL 418]

But if you're worried about some government worker taking revenge on your petition because you asked for help - DON'T BE. I see that worry on these boards a lot and it's foolish.

Just a little spin off of this - my own experience with our Congressman now yeilds very little result. We did have some pretty significant issues with our K1 (nearly 8 months post interview to get the visa issued) and along the way we sought congressional inquiries (maybe around 5 status requests in 3 months). We certainly had legitimate purposes for contacting them and requesting status, and while we most certainly did not feel we were pestering them with each nuance of the journey, we began to get responses fewer and farther between. Now that we are stuck again, our Congressperson barely has any contact with us.

Revenge on your petition - probably a bit far fetched, sure, but point is - it can be "foolish" to cry wolf. I am not saying this is what is being done here, I am just trying to give another perspective. Use your contacts wisely.

Edited July 13, 2007 by lal_brandow

[Jasman0717 9]

Can you imagine what would happen if everyone filing for a petition would do what you are proposing?

Yes. Congress might actually take a good long look at the process and its deficiencies.

The process won't change if no one points out the problems with it.

Not likely

[no name 1]

Revenge on your petition - probably a bit far fetched, sure, but point is - it can be "foolish" to cry wolf. I am not saying this is what is being done here, I am just trying to give another perspective. Use your contacts wisely.

Save them for when you really need them. There is always a chance you will process speedily.

[cantwait2long 0]

I'm sending in my papers at the end of next week. Recently in my office I spoke with a person who works directly under and certain US Congressman, and I built some good rapport wit him...he offered me I could fax a copy of the package I send to USCIC. He then said he could see if the Congressman could reach the USCIS and ask them to "expedite" things.

Do you think this could help things go faster?

or could this possibly backfire in my face?

[NonyGuy 0]

ok...so it seems like no one is against me asking the Congressman. it seems the verdict is that it will NOT cause any delay in processing:)

So, no one thinks it's possible that the Congressman might have a "friend" at the Service Center that would up an application for him? From the way it sounded, my contact and the Congressman work with the Service Center "all the time".

JC

[no name 1]

ok...so it seems like no one is against me asking the Congressman. it seems the verdict is that it will NOT cause any delay in processing:)

So, no one thinks it's possible that the Congressman might have a "friend" at the Service Center that would up an application for him? From the way it sounded, my contact and the Congressman work with the Service Center "all the time".

JC

In think a few did say not to do it....

It's your petition, do what you want.

[TimsDaisy 0]

ok...so it seems like no one is against me asking the Congressman. it seems the verdict is that it will NOT cause any delay in processing:)

So, no one thinks it's possible that the Congressman might have a "friend" at the Service Center that would up an application for him? From the way it sounded, my contact and the Congressman work with the Service Center "all the time".

JC

1.) If there IS a friend, then you should probably hush up about it on a public message board, no? What kind of input do you want from people? "You jerk, don't think you can cut in line, you're not entitled to anything!" or "Stop bragging and wait your turn." I can refer you to members who can provide you with either phrasing you prefer.

2.) Given oversight and civil service rules it is HIGHLY UNLIKELY that anyone would risk his/her job in such a fashion. And while staffers do have relationships with agency workers, don't forget that what is possible for SOME kinds of visas isn't possible for others. I have no doubt your contact talks with service center staff frequently. but about what and with what result?

3.) If everyone here were "against" you contacting your congressman, would you not do so? Why would you care what we think you *should* do. We'll still tell you what we think you should do. But a better use of VJ may be to collect information on what you are *able* to do and the outcomes we think or likely (either based on experience, reading VJ, or pulled directly from our arses - which is a frequent source of information as well).

Bottom line: ANYTHING is possible. You could get approved in 5 days like a Cuba filers. Your contact could have a lucrative side buisness trading favors among government staff. Better question is what is LIKELY. I think that's been answered here.

My default will usually be to go ahead and contact a representative, BUT manage your expectations. Don't expect miracles. ESPECIALLY at the USCIS stage. Once you get to the State Department, you'll have a better shot, depending on your circumstances.

edit to say:

By the way, you've asked a BUNCH of questions on speeding up the process so far. You know the best way? FILE YOUR PETITION! Pull the plug! Hold your nose and jump! Anchors away! If you have already, then fill in your timeline. But you aren't going to find a better way to make progress then to get that thing in the mail ASAP.

Edited July 13, 2007 by TimsDaisy