US Immigration from Brazil

Hi -- I wrote my check from the wrong bank account (thought I was writing it from bank 1, where I keep my money, but it was a check from bank 2, which I don't use but still have an account with). USCIS tried to cash it twice (yesterday and today) but I didn't get any notification from USCIS about it bouncing, so I had no time to go put money in that account. I'm a bit terrified that they'll send my application back and we'll have to wait another 3 months... I thought they were supposed to send you a mail notification if they can't cash it so that you have time to add funds, but they just tried it two days in a row. Is there anything I can do?

Hi VJ friends,

I recently got denied for my expedite request for the interview. The request was sent to NVC. A lawyer is suggesting I submit the expedite to the embassy directly. Is this a good idea or waste of time/money?

Thanks!

I've been noticing that many new immigrants that need to apply for the first time for their Social Security number/card are having a hard time getting an in-person appointment at the their local Social Security office, since the offices are closed for walk-in service due to Covid pandemic.

The alternative these offices are suggesting is mailing your ORIGINAL documents, such as Permanent Resident card, Passaport and sometimes even Birth Certificates. To me, that sounds like a terrible idea, can you imagine the headache in case your documents get lost? I'm not sure how big of a risk it actually is, but I surely don't want to find out. That said, here is some information to try and convince your SS office to get you and in-person appointment. But first, if the person who answers the phone is not wiliing to help you, get their supervisor to talk to you.

• IT'S THE LAW: You can't mail your GC since Section 264(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (I.N.A.) requires all lawful permanent residents (LPRs) to have at all times official evidence of LPR status.

(e) Personal possession of registration or receipt card; penalties

Every alien, eighteen years of age and over, shall at all times carry with him and have in his personal possession any certificate of alien registration or alien registration receipt card issued to him pursuant to subsection (d). Any alien who fails to comply with the provisions of this subsection shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall upon conviction for each offense be fined not to exceed $100 or be imprisoned not more than thirty days, or both.

• USCIS 'Welcome to the United States A Guide for New Immigrants' states that:

As a permanent resident, you must: Carry proof of your permanent resident status at all times

Page 14: https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/guides/M-618.pdf

• Here are two articles about the topic:

If you decide to carry a copy of your green card instead of the original because you want to keep the original safe, you will be violating the law.

https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/do-i-really-need-carry-green-card-me.html

Do you have to carry my green card around with you? Card holders are required under law to have their green cards on them at all times to prove their legal status. If you are detained, Federal law enforcement has the authority to demand that you demonstrate your legal status. Failing to have your green card on your person is considered a misdemeanor.

Practically speaking, chances are that you will likely not get into trouble if you happen to have it on your person. Immigration authorities do have limited resources and will likely not waste them on prosecuting people for not carrying their green cards at all points in time. But, especially in this tumultuous political climate, it is advisable to carry it with you at all times as is required by law.

https://www.borderwise.co/learn/greencards/everything-a-green-card-holder-should-know

I hope that helps!

Dear Group,

I write with a very heavy heart. My beloved wife came to the US on a K-1 visa in June 2020. We married immediately and filed the whole I-485 packet including all the supporting forms and received the NOAs for all. While waiting for the AOS interview, she died from covid and that has pretty much destroyed my life. I called the USCIS hotline for advice on how best to withdraw the application, but they seemed very befuddled and recommended that I file form I-140 (which has nothing do with withdrawing a petition -- completely wrong) with the center that is handling my case. They gave me an address based on my zip code, but I'm questioning if that's correct based on their recommendation of an incorrect form.

I just got notice yesterday that the AOS interview has been scheduled and a notice has been sent out. Should I wait for this notice and then send a letter with a copy of the notice and death certificate to the address on the notice. That seems to make the most sense. Thank you for any advice. Normally I would be able to figure this stuff out on my own (we got this far . . .), but my brain is very muddled these days. My apologies.

Thank you,

Mark

Hey guys-

My wife and I will be doing her AOS interview March 15th. We STILL not heard anything about her EAD or her SSN accompanying the EAD since her fingerprints were taken.

Let's say she does the interview and is told she's approved....

....I mean, at that point, do we still have to wait for her to get her EAD and SSN along with it? Or can she just apply for a SSN and disregard the EAD with requested SSN entirely? She reaaaaally wants to work.

Thanks!