MarocAmer

Questions & Answers from CIS Ombudsman's Teleconference: "USCIS Receipting Delay - How Does This Affect You?," October 12, 2007

The following are questions and answers discussed during this teleconference. We will post answers received from USCIS as soon as we have them. We also plan to post any additional questions received by email. At the beginning of the call, USCIS Division Chief for Information and Customer Service provided the latest information on the frontlog and answered a few questions submitted to the Ombudsman prior to the call.

Q&As Discussed by CIS Ombudsman Based on Emails Received

1. FIFO Policy? - Is USCIS following the “First In First Out” policy in receipting applications? Many people have commented that their application arrived at USCIS specifically on July 2 or 3, but that they still do not have a receipt notice. Can you please explain why that may be? How can someone know if his case was not lost?

Response: We understand that USCIS’ policy still is to work cases on a first in first out basis. However, they use the first in first out policy by application type. For example, all of the I-485s are grouped together.

2. Posted Receipting Times – USCIS posts processing dates for which applications are now being receipted. However, these seem to be incorrect because customers who filed well before these dates still do not have receipts. Moreover, applications received after the posted dates have been sent receipt notices. Can you explain why?

Response: We understand USCIS is receipting the majority of cases according to the weekly “Receipting Update,” found at www.uscis.gov. If you have not received your receipt by the date indicated on the “Receipting Update,” please send an email to the Ombudsman at cisombudsman.publicaffairs@dhs.gov. Note that if you send an email on this or any issue to the Ombudsman, please be aware that we do not adjudicate cases. You will still need to follow USCIS instructions to address your case. In addition, if you want the Ombudsman to research your particular situation, please submit a case problem by using Form 7001, available at www.dhs.gov/cisombudsman.

3. EADs – What should an applicant do when it has been more than 90 days from filing and he or she has not received an EAD receipt notice or the EAD itself? How will USCIS be able to issue all of these EADs when it is delayed in issuing the receipts?

Response: We understand from USCIS that they intend to finish receipting and issuing all EADs by the end of October, if not before. If it has already been 90 days and you have not received the EAD, please call USCIS customer service (1-800-375-5283) and email our office at cisombudsman.publicaffairs@dhs.gov.

4. Travel – Can I travel without an I-485 receipt notice and no advance parole? Can I travel with a valid H-1 visa if my I-485 has not yet been receipted?

Response: USCIS provides two answers on travel and advance parole on their website’s “frequently asked questions” page, www.uscis.gov. However, this page only provides information for emergency travel. USCIS still needs to provide practical information on non-emergency travel. The website also says advance paroles (I-131s) should be sent receipts by the end of this month, but they still need to be processed.

5. Wait Times - How long should someone wait to receive a receipt for an application filed this summer before inquiring about it? Should an application be re-filed?

Response: We suggest that you review the weekly “Receipting Update” posted on www.uscis.gov, which has the receipting dates for each application type. If your application was filed before the date posted, go ahead and call USCIS customer service (1-800-375-5283) and email our office at cisombudsman.publicaffairs@dhs.gov.

6. Receipt Date on Notice – USCIS has indicated that the date of the receipt notice will be the date USCIS received the application in the mailroom. However, some receipt notices received indicate a later date. Can you please explain why this might be happening? What should an applicant do if there is this error?

Response: On USCIS’ website it says the agency will honor the actual date that an application was received in the mailroom. These are questions for USCIS and we will post their answers here when we have them. In the meantime, if you have specific examples, please email them to us at cisombudsman.publicaffairs@dhs.gov.

7. Errors on Notices – Many of the receipt notices have typographical errors, for example, in the applicant’s name. How should this or other errors be addressed? Due to the receipting delays, applicants are receiving different A-numbers on receipt notices for different applications. What should an applicant do in this case? A number of receipt notices have the notation “unknown” in the box “Notice Type.” What should an applicant do if this notation is provided?

Response: This is important for us to know and needs to be addressed. USCIS is striving to be customer service focused and wants to know about these kinds of issues. These are questions for USCIS and we will post their answers here when we have them. In the meantime, if you have specific examples, please email them to us at cisombudsman.publicaffairs@dhs.gov. Again, if you want us to research your specific case, please submit Form 7001, available at www.dhs.gov/cisombudsman.

8. Earlier Filed Applications – What happens to applications that were filed well before the influx of the summer? Will those applications be delayed in processing?

Response: These are questions for USCIS and we will post their answers here when we have them. As you might imagine, those applications will be subject to the regular application process, which may delays for security checks, etc. Last October USCIS met their processing times, but currently processing times are exceeding the time posted.

9. Processing – In what order will applications be adjudicated? Application date or receipt date?

Response: Usually it would be the receipt date. USCIS also says on their website that they will honor the actual date the application was received in the mailroom.

10. Call Centers – Are the call centers being kept informed about the receipting difficulties? Someone mentioned that the call center just indicated that the application was not in the system and that he should call back in 30 days. Another person said that USCIS indicated they should re-contact the agency in 90 days.

Response: This is an important issue for the agency. In this time of enormous delays and great anxiety for many customers, it is imperative that USCIS ensures that the call centers are well informed and can pass accurate and timely information to callers.

11. Matching - USCIS has said that the EAD and advance parole applications could be filed with the FEDEX receipt of the I-485. However, some of these are being rejected because the agency says it cannot find the I-485. What should an applicant do under these circumstances? Also, how will USCIS correlate those applications with the previously filed I-485?

Response: This sounds like a service error. However, these are questions for USCIS and we will post their answers here when we have them. In the meantime, if you have specific examples, please email them to us at cisombudsman.publicaffairs@dhs.gov. If you want us to research your specific case, please submit Form 7001, available at www.dhs.gov/cisombudsman.

12. Filed in One Service Center, Receipted in Another — What does it mean if I filed my application in one service center and it was receipted by another? Will I retain the date my application was first received by USCIS?

Response: To use its resources, USCIS has transferred cases in between the service centers to issue receipts. USCIS should be using the date your application was first received by the agency, not the date it was received by the second service center. We understand that the agency plans to put a “frequently asked question” discussion on this issue on www.uscis.gov, particularly regarding processing of transferred applications.

13. For the Future - What preventative measures has USCIS taken to ensure that receipt and case backlogs do not happen again in the future, or are they seen as an inevitable part of the current system?

Response: That is a great question. It is our perspective that USCIS had advanced notice for the current frontlog and receipting dilemma because both the increased fees and influx of employment based visa applications were both anticipated. We encourage USCIS to take this question seriously and consider how to avoid this system-wide problem going forward.

14. Applications Received? – One caller asked in writing whether the Texas Service Center has an estimate of how many I-485, advance parole, and employment authorization applications were received in July and August and what impact this will have on processing times for ancillary benefits?

Response: After the teleconference, the Ombudsman received for the first time an inventory on how many applications each service center has which still need receipts. We understand that USCIS intends to receipt all EADs and advance parole I-131s by the end of October.

15. Overall Processing Projections? - Are there any predictions on how the receipting delay will affect overall processing dates?

Response: We do not have any predictions about how the receipting delay will affect overall processing. However, as you might imagine, due to the large influx of cases, the local offices will also be receiving the same thousands of applications to eventually process. At the same time, we hope USCIS will be able to maintain their stated processing time goals. We also hope that USCIS will continue to shift resources as necessary to improve some of these times.

16. Bounced Checks – Due to the long delays my check written to USCIS bounced. What can USCIS do to help with this?

Response: If a check bounces because there are no longer funds available during the frontlog period, we understand that USCIS will give the applicant 14 days to send in a new check and pay a nominal penalty. The applicant is supposed to keep the same date in the processing line. See the “frequently asked questions” at www.uscis.gov for more information.

17. Expired Checks – What if my check has expired since sending in my application?

Response: We understand that USCIS is not rejecting checks if the check has expired for frontlogged cases. There is additional information on USCIS’ “frequently asked questions” at www.uscis.gov on this issue. However, the website does not provide information on whether it would be possible to still cash the expired check. We ask USCIS to provide additional guidance on that question. If you have had a problem on this issue, go ahead and call the USCIS customer service line at (1-800-375-5283) and also email our office at cisombudsman.publicaffairs@dhs.gov. Again, if you want us to research your specific case, please submit Form 7001, available at www.dhs.gov/cisombudsman.

18. Change of Address – How can I change my address when I don’t have a receipt number?

Response: Unfortunately, the “frequently asked question” USCIS has on its website for this question does not answer it. The website indicates that an applicant should look for the receipt number on the back of the returned check. However, many people still have not received a return check or receipt notice. We ask that USCIS revisit this question again and provide clearer instructions on how customers can make these changes.

Now is the time to submit your concerns regarding the I-130 and the processing as it is done now. If you have concerns, don't wait submit your suggestions now!

[Federal Register: October 18, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 201)]

[Notices]

[Page 59102-59103]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

[DOCID:fr18oc07-59]

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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Agency Information Collection Activities: Form I-130, Revision of

an Existing Information Collection; Comment Request

ACTION: 30-day notice of information collection under review: Form I-

130, Petition for Alien Relative. OMB Control Number: 1615-0012.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

The Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and

Immigration Services (USCIS) has submitted the following information

collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for

review and clearance in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of

1995. The information collection was previously published in the

Federal Register on July 16, 2007, at 72 FR 38841. The notice allowed

for a 60-day public comment period. No comments were received on this

information collection.

The purpose of this notice is to allow an additional 30 days for

public comments. Comments are encouraged and will be accepted until

November 19, 2007. This process is conducted in accordance with 5 CFR

1320.10.

Written comments and/or suggestions regarding the item(s) contained

in this notice, especially regarding the estimated public burden and

associated response time, should be directed to the Department of

Homeland Security (DHS), USCIS, Chief, Regulatory Management Division,

Clearance Office, 111 Massachusetts Avenue, 3rd floor, Washington, DC

20529. Comments may also be submitted to DHS via facsimile to 202-272-

8352 or via e-mail at rfs.regs@dhs.gov, and to the OMB USCIS Desk

Officer via facsimile at 202-395-6974 or via e-mail at

kastrich@omb.eop.gov.

When submitting comments by e-mail please make sure to add OMB

Control Number 1615-0012 in the subject box. Written comments and

suggestions from the public and affected agencies should address one or

more of the following four points:

(1) Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is

necessary

[[Page 59103]]

for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including

whether the information will have practical utility;

(2) Evaluate the accuracy of the agencies estimate of the burden of

the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the

methodology and assumptions used;

(3) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to

be collected; and

(4) Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those

who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated,

electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or

other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic

submission of responses.

Overview of this information collection:

(1) Type of Information Collection: Revision of an existing

information collection.

(2) Title of the Form/Collection: Petition for Alien Relative.

(3) Agency form number, if any, and the applicable component of the

Department of Homeland Security sponsoring the collection: Form I-130.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

(4) Affected public who will be asked or required to respond, as

well as brief abstract: Primary: Individuals or households. This form

allows citizens or lawful permanent residents of the United States to

petition on behalf of certain alien relatives who wish to immigrate to

the United States.

(5) An estimate of the total number of respondents and the amount

of time estimated for an average respondent to respond: 183,034

responses at 1.5 hours per response.

(6) An estimate of the total public burden (in hours) associated

with the collection: 274,551 annual burden hours.

If you have additional comments, suggestions, or need a copy of the

information collection instrument, please visit the USCIS Web site at:

http://www.regulations.gov/fdmspublic/component/main. We may also be

contacted at: USCIS, Regulatory Management Division, 111 Massachusetts

Avenue, NW., 3rd floor, Suite 3008, Washington, DC 20529, telephone

number 202-272-8377.

Dated: October 15, 2007.

Richard Sloan,

Chief, Regulatory Management Division, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration

Services, Department of Homeland Security.

[FR Doc. E7-20565 Filed 10-17-07; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4410-10-P

Now is the time to submit your concerns regarding the I-130 and the processing as it is done now. If you have concerns, don't wait submitt your suggestions now!

[Federal Register: October 18, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 201)]

[Notices]

[Page 59102-59103]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

[DOCID:fr18oc07-59]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Agency Information Collection Activities: Form I-130, Revision of

an Existing Information Collection; Comment Request

ACTION: 30-day notice of information collection under review: Form I-

130, Petition for Alien Relative. OMB Control Number: 1615-0012.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

The Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and

Immigration Services (USCIS) has submitted the following information

collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for

review and clearance in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of

1995. The information collection was previously published in the

Federal Register on July 16, 2007, at 72 FR 38841. The notice allowed

for a 60-day public comment period. No comments were received on this

information collection.

The purpose of this notice is to allow an additional 30 days for

public comments. Comments are encouraged and will be accepted until

November 19, 2007. This process is conducted in accordance with 5 CFR

1320.10.

Written comments and/or suggestions regarding the item(s) contained

in this notice, especially regarding the estimated public burden and

associated response time, should be directed to the Department of

Homeland Security (DHS), USCIS, Chief, Regulatory Management Division,

Clearance Office, 111 Massachusetts Avenue, 3rd floor, Washington, DC

20529. Comments may also be submitted to DHS via facsimile to 202-272-

8352 or via e-mail at rfs.regs@dhs.gov, and to the OMB USCIS Desk

Officer via facsimile at 202-395-6974 or via e-mail at

kastrich@omb.eop.gov.

When submitting comments by e-mail please make sure to add OMB

Control Number 1615-0012 in the subject box. Written comments and

suggestions from the public and affected agencies should address one or

more of the following four points:

(1) Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is

necessary

[[Page 59103]]

for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including

whether the information will have practical utility;

(2) Evaluate the accuracy of the agencies estimate of the burden of

the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the

methodology and assumptions used;

(3) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to

be collected; and

(4) Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those

who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated,

electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or

other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic

submission of responses.

Overview of this information collection:

(1) Type of Information Collection: Revision of an existing

information collection.

(2) Title of the Form/Collection: Petition for Alien Relative.

(3) Agency form number, if any, and the applicable component of the

Department of Homeland Security sponsoring the collection: Form I-130.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

(4) Affected public who will be asked or required to respond, as

well as brief abstract: Primary: Individuals or households. This form

allows citizens or lawful permanent residents of the United States to

petition on behalf of certain alien relatives who wish to immigrate to

the United States.

(5) An estimate of the total number of respondents and the amount

of time estimated for an average respondent to respond: 183,034

responses at 1.5 hours per response.

(6) An estimate of the total public burden (in hours) associated

with the collection: 274,551 annual burden hours.

If you have additional comments, suggestions, or need a copy of the

information collection instrument, please visit the USCIS Web site at:

http://www.regulations.gov/fdmspublic/component/main. We may also be

contacted at: USCIS, Regulatory Management Division, 111 Massachusetts

Avenue, NW., 3rd floor, Suite 3008, Washington, DC 20529, telephone

number 202-272-8377.

Dated: October 15, 2007.

Richard Sloan,

Chief, Regulatory Management Division, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration

Services, Department of Homeland Security.

[FR Doc. E7-20565 Filed 10-17-07; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4410-10-P

Immigration Event

CIS Ombudsman's Office is pleased to announce that its next

teleconference will be: Friday, October 12 - "USCIS Receipting

Delay - How Does This Affect You?" 2:30-3:30 pm EDT. We look

forward to hearing your comments, thoughts, and suggestions for

improvement on this issue. To participate in this call, please

RSVP to mailto:cisombudsman.publicaffairs@dhs.gov. Please also

indicate how you learned about the program as well as the city

and state from which you are calling. If you have already sent

in an RSVP, thank you. We will acknowledge your RSVP and provide

the call-in information shortly before Friday.

We smile at the under 30 folks and laugh with the over 30 folks......but there are some "much" older folks here who enjoy all the VJers! Senior discounts aren't bad! If USCIS would only give us "SENIORS" a break on the immigration process, then we too would be attempting to jump in the air with our arthritic knees, trying to avoid those snagging breasts from hitting us in the head, and our failing eyesight from making us stumple. Just teasing, not about being a senior though

We are ALL young at heart, even if not chronologically.

It's been over year (I130 filed in June 2006); and this is the latest reply USCIS sent to my senator:

There is no answer to the long waiting time. Unless the USCIS asks us for something, there is nothing for us to provide. Patience is a virture.....and right now I don't have any!

Casablanca is very metropolitan. Most women dress western. They are friendly, speak Arabic (of course), French and English. Your cab ride from the airport into Casa will be approximately $35 USD; you can change your money at the airport before you leave. There are lots of nice hotels, Hilton, Sheraton, and less expensive Ibis. If you don't already have one, I suggest you pick up a guide book; there are wonderful places to explore. Enjoy your visit!

I remember the happier days you wrote about and I'm sorry your journey has such a sad end. Hold your head high, it takes a strong woman to endure what you have gone through.

Wishing you a speedy recovery! We want to see you dancing soon

I feel your pain! We are in the same situation since June 2006 (over a year). No one answers you. I've called the 800# all they do is take name, bio data and say don't call back, we'll write you. I requested expedited service and again got no response. I made an INFO pass appointment in August 2007 and the Immigration Officer assisting me told me and I quote: "You need to contact your Senator, they can fix this." What kind of USCIS help is that? I did contact my Senator's office again and they said they didn't have any "magic" to fix this. The Ombusman takes input from all of us requesting their assistance, but again they don't work magic either. What they try to address with USCIS is aknowledging their work backload and lack of consistent service and try to work out an equitable solution. Do you feel like you'll never be reunited on American soil? I do. Patience is a vurtue.....and I don't have any.

STANDING ALONE by Asra Q. Nomani; An American Woman's Struggle for the Soul of Islam.

This is an excellent read!

Ok, how do I "find" the slumber party....this will be my first. Thanks everyone!

MOROCCAN LAMB TAGINE WITH RAISINS, ALMONDS, AND HONEY

Mrouzia

Mrouzia is a dish traditionally made after the celebration of Aid el Kebir ("Feast of the Slaughter of the Lamb"), an occasion when, historically, a family would have large amounts of meat on hand. In the days before refrigeration, the lamb was cooked in copious amounts of fat and spices to preserve it. Don't worry — this version has much less butter and less intense spicing than the original.

Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 3 hr

2 teaspoons ras-el-hanout*

2 teaspoons salt

3/4 teaspoon black pepper

3/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon crumbled saffron threads

3 cups water

3 lb boneless lamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes

1 large onion, coarsely grated (1 cup)

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

2 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks

1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, cut into pieces

1 1/4 cups raisins

1 1/4 cups whole blanched almonds

1/2 cup honey

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Accompaniment: couscous

Whisk together ras-el-hanout, salt, pepper, ginger, saffron, and 1 cup water in a 5-quart heavy pot. Stir in lamb, remaining 2 cups water, onion, garlic, cinnamon sticks, and butter and simmer, covered, until lamb is just tender, about 1 1/2 hours.

Stir in raisins, almonds, honey, and ground cinnamon and simmer, covered, until meat is very tender, about 30 minutes more.

Uncover pot and cook over moderately high heat, stirring occasionally, until stew is slightly thickened, about 15 minutes more.

Cooks' note:

• Tagine can be made 1 day ahead and cooled, uncovered, then chilled, covered.

*Available at specialty foods shops and Kalustyan's (800-352-3451).

Makes 6 to 8 servings.

HARISSA-CRUSTED TRI-TIP ROAST

Harissa, a spicy North African chili-garlic condiment, can be found at some specialty foods stores and Middle Eastern markets. But it is very easy to make, too, as in this recipe.

1 3/4 teaspoons caraway seeds

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

6 garlic cloves

1/4 cup chili paste (such as sambal oelek)*

2 tablespoons tomato sauce

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 1/4 teaspoons chili powder

1 1 3/4- to 2-pound tri-tip beef roast, most of fat layer trimmed

Preheat oven to 400°F. Toast caraway seeds in small nonstick skillet over medium heat until seeds darken and begin to smoke, stirring often, about 5 minutes. Add olive oil and garlic cloves to caraway seeds in skillet. Cover; remove from heat. Let stand 1 minute. Pour caraway mixture into processor. Add chili paste, tomato sauce, cumin, and chili powder and blend until garlic cloves are pureed. Season harissa to taste with salt.

Sprinkle beef all over with salt and pepper; place beef, fat side down, on rack on rimmed baking sheet. Spread with half of harissa. Turn beef over; spread remaining harissa over top and sides. Roast beef until thermometer inserted into center registers 125°F to 130°F for medium-rare, about 35 minutes. Let rest 10 minutes. Slice and serve.

*Available in the Asian foods section of most supermarkets and at Asian markets.

Makes 4 to 6 servings.

Does anyone know the name of this type of seasame candy/fortune cookie thingy? I think Ahmed once told me it was a Ramadan candy, but I cant for the life of me remember the name. Its folded up like a wonton/fotune cookie/tortellini and soaked in a sticky honey-like substance and doused in seasame seeds.

I think you are looking for Shebakia: (fyi there are a lot of recipes for this cookie on the internet) ENJOY!

Ingredients

Amount Ingredient Preparation

4 pounds flour

3 pounds butter

2 pounds sesame seeds

1 tablespoon yeast

1 tablespoon saffron

1 tablespoon cinnamon, ground

1 quart vegetable oil

10 pounds honey

Directions

In a food processor process all the ingredients, except the honey.

Take a walnut-sized piece of paste and roll it out very thin.

Using a metal cut-out typically found in Morocco, with different

designs, cut out cookies and let them rise for 15 minutes.

Deep-fry the cookies in the remaining quart of oil in batches

over low heat just to brown.

Soak the cookies in the honey for 15 minutes.

Remove and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.

---------

Shebakeeya (the honey cake):

Recipe makes 60 (I made 1/5 of the whole recipe)

1 kg all purpose flour

2 eggs

4 tbsp vinegar

1 tsp cinnamon, ground

150 gr sesamseeds

1 tbsp anise seedd

little bit bakingsoda and vanilla sugar

14 gr dry yeast

200 gr margarine

150 ml olive oil

pinch of gomma arabica (?)

pinch of saffran

100 ml flowerleaveswater

1 kg honey

sunflower oil to bake in

Dryroast the sesame seeds.

Put in a big bowl: egg, vinegar, cinnamon, aniseed, 100 gr sesame seeds, saffran and stir.

Put in a other bowl: margarine, olive oil, orangeflowerwater en meng.

Put the mass in the second bowl in the first bowl and add yeast, arabia gom and flour and baking soda.

Make a big dough that is flexible.

Make 60 balls and put them in a plastic bag for 15 minutes.

Put some flour on the workingsurface an make of every bal a rectangel and cut 4 stripes, so the ends are kept together. Make a flower.

Bake it on 350ºF sunfloweroil until golden. Let it soak in the warm honey for 5 seconds and then sprinkle some sesame seeds on them.