Inzya

It is Wednesday, and here is our eagerly awaited Semiofficial Semiweekly VAWA-Thread Joke:
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THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY
 
Threw out my back sleeping and tweaked my neck sneezing... I'm probably one strong fart away from complete paralysis.
 
Being popular on Facebook is like sitting at the "cool table" in the cafeteria of a mental hospital.
 
Dear paranoid people who check behind their shower curtains for murderers:  If you do find one, what's your plan?
 
The older I get, the more I understand why roosters scream to start their day.
 
You know you're over 50 when you have "upstairs ibuprofen" and "downstairs ibuprofen."
 
When a kid says, "Daddy, I want Mommy," that's the kid version of "I'd like to speak to your supervisor."
 
Last night, the Internet stopped working, so I spent a few hours with my family.  They seem like good people.
 

Hello family,
 
I’m thrilled to announce that my visa has finally been issued today through consular processing! This was such a difficult journey and I’m happy that it’s finally over 🍀🎉 I’m finally going back home 🇺🇸
 
Thank you everyone for the knowledge and support ❤️
 

There's not much in the Policy Manual or in the regulations. So the best proof would be the factsheet and N-400 instructions:
 
VAWA Naturalization Factsheet:
https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/fact-sheets/DO_FactSheet_NatzForVAWALawfulPermResidents_V3_508.pdf
Relevant section is on page 2, information about your spouse.
And the N-400 instructions:
https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/n-400instr.pdf
Relevant part is on page 13 that I mentioned before, the paragraph that starts with "NOTE:".
 
The way I would write this would be something like this, feel free to use this, just plug in your info, if still married just take the (ex-) out, if you're divorced by now then just take the parenthesis around (ex-) out. Obviously include a copy of the things listed in attachments:
 
In re: N-400 Application for Naturalization under VAWA
Receipt number: XXXYYYYYYYYYY
Applicant: Your name (A#XXX-XXX-XXX)
 
To whom it may concern:
 
I believe that this request for evidence is improper and request managerial review. I attended an interview on [date] at [field office]. During this interview the immigration officer contrary to USCIS procedures demanded proof of my (ex-)spouse's citizenship and wouldn't accept any explanation that I am seeking naturalization under VAWA nor wouldn't accept alternate proof I used on my I-360 self petition, and subsequently issued this RFE.
 
Naturalization for VAWA Lawful Permanent Residents Fact Sheet states:
The Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, requests basic biographic information about your current and former spouses. However, USCIS will not contact your current or former spouse about your application. In addition, you do not need to establish that you are or were living with your spouse or provide documentation about your spouse.  (Exhibit A)
 
N-400 Instructions page 13 states:
NOTE: Evidence of the spouse's U.S. citizenship, marriage to the U.S. citizen, divorce or separation, or marital union is NOT required if you obtained LPR status as the spouse, former spouse, or intended spouse of a U.S. citizen who subjected you to battery or extreme cruelty. (Exhibit B)
 
My VAWA I-360 was approved listing class IB1. (Exhibit C)
 
My permanent resident card lists category IB6. (Exhibit D)
 
Previously submitted evidence was enough for USCIS to determine that my (ex-)spouse is a US Citizen and approve my I-360 and I-485 as a self-petitioning spouse of a US Citizen under VAWA.
 
Moreover, demanding further documentation regarding the abusive (ex-)spouse goes contrary to the spirit and intent of VAWA. Especially when demanding a document such as a US Passport or Naturalization Certificate of such spouse since I am simply unable to obtain them outside of my (ex-)spouse giving them to me. Such a demand essentially places veto power over 3 year naturalization under VAWA in hands of an abusive (ex-)spouse.
 
In light of the foregoing I ask that you proceed with my N-400 application for naturalization.
 
_______________________
[Your name]
 
Attachments:
Exhibit A: Naturalization for VAWA Lawful Permanent Residents Fact Sheet
Exhibit B: N-400 Instructions Page 13
Exhibit C: Copy of I-360 Approval Notice
Exhibit D: Copy of my permanent resident card

Only response you can give to the RFE is to explain that the RFE itself is improper and give them page 13 of the N-400 instructions which reads:
NOTE: Evidence of the spouse's U.S. citizenship, marriage to the U.S. citizen, divorce or separation, or marital union is
NOT required if you obtained LPR status as the spouse, former spouse, or intended spouse of a U.S. citizen who subjected
you to battery or extreme cruelty.
 
What's the category code on your green card? IB1, IB6, B21, B26, BX1, BX6, Z14?
 
If it's IB1, IB6, or Z14 then you should straight up write that you are requesting managerial review because the reviewing officer is outright wrongly demanding documentation which is not required of you.
 
If it's B21, B26, BX1, or BX6, then you should write that you are requesting managerial review because you believe that the officer erred in demanding proof of your abusive ex's citizenship from you because:
1. Demanding this proof is contrary to the intent and spirit of VAWA because it essentially locks eligibility for naturalization under the 3 year provision behind documentation belonging to the abusive ex, essentially giving them a veto power over your naturalization,
2. You provided the evidence you were able to obtain: Driver's License, Social Security, and voter information. This information was previously deemed good enough to approve your I-360. Moreover currently only District of Columbia, and municipalities in 3 states (CA, MD, VT) permit noncitizens to vote in local elections, meaning that more likely than not your ex registered to vote following naturalization.
3. USCIS is able to perform immigration status checks in cases that warrant it, and any VAWA cases due to their unique nature where the (ex-)spouse is abusive and thus extremely unlikely to cooperate definitely warrant it.

Hello Family, got an update on I-485 "Case was Approved" couldn't thank God first and then you guys enough.
 
 

I got a "can't say, can't tell you an estimate" kind of answer when I asked. I think it's just a job which forces people to act as welcoming as a sign stating "Danger - Active minefield". Walking out of there and thinking "well, things went alright, I guess" is likely the good scenario.
 
According to my lawyer apparently the interviewer liked me. I did overhear some chit-chat between her and her trainee about her cat and made sure to mention my cats. "No, I don't have any children, unless you want to count my cats", lol. I think that helped cause you know, the interviewer can question you anywhere from just nodding to your brief rehearsed answer before moving onto the next question and grill you to the point that the KGB would think it's a bit much.
 
 

Interview - 4/29/24
Approval - 5/10/24
Green card in hand - 5/22/2024
 
So yeah about 3 weeks between interview and green card in hand. It's crazy how happy a piece of plastic makes me.

Yayy I am a US Citizen now! Just came back from my oath ceremony  Finally this immigration journey has finally concluded for me..
 
I would like to thanks this group who actually helped me in answering most of my questions. Keep faith you all are in line for celebration 
 
@Sandra G. @Stillwinning!!!😊 @FeDaniela @Braveheart123 @Lola_lalo @balo101 and others a big thank you everyone !!
 
 

Happy Mother's Day to all here (to whom it applies).   

Honestly, mostly personal information, the whole bunch of yes/no questions, why I filed for VAWA. Give short answers, say only as much as you need to, and you'll be fine.

Well boys and girls. My I-485 was finally approved today.

To relieve tension and (if correlation = causation) bring forth approvals and positive news, here's our Semiofficial Semiweekly VAWA-Thread Joke:
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THE BLONDE AT THE SALON
 
A blonde was rollerblading with her headphones on.
 
She stopped at a hair salon and asked for a haircut, saying that the hair stylist could not take off her headphones.  The stylist refused to cut her hair, so she left.
 
The blonde went to a different hair salon and said the same thing.  This time, the stylist agreed to cut her hair.
 
After a while, the blonde fell asleep in the chair.  To wake her, the stylist took off the headphones.  The blonde immediately fell to the floor and died.
 
Confused by what had happened, the stylist put on the headphones and heard, "Breathe in, breathe out; breathe in, breathe out..."
 

Finally, I recieved our green card tonight Hallelujah! Glory be to God.  
My child name was not properly written, a Y  letter was used instead of U. We going to be travelling out soon.

Here's one from me:
Setting: Berlin, 1970s
A West Berlin man would ride his bicycle every afternoon into East Berlin. Every time he had a sack filled with sand sitting on the back of the bicycle.
When presenting himself for inspection at the border crossing the man would say that he's visiting his mother who lives in East Berlin, the guards suspecting the man of being a smuggler would pat him down, search his pockets, and empty the sack of sand and search its contents, but they couldn't find anything so they would admit him.
This process repeated every single day for years, each day the man and his belongings were searched but the guards couldn't find anything.
Many years later after the fall of the Berlin wall the man is sitting at a bar and drinking a beer. A former border guard saw him and approached him to ask
Guard: "Listen, the wall is gone, Germany is reunited, we all knew you were smuggling but we could never figure out what you were smuggling exactly, so please, tell me."
Man: "Bicycles"

It's a Double blessing today. Today is my birthday and I went for an interview I got approved immediately, before I got home a new card is been produce.
Here is my Timeline
Marriage base AOS Octomber 2019
Changed to vawa August 2020
RFE good moral Octomber,  submitted November 2020.
Divorce December 2020
Vawa approved December 17 2022
Interview schedule April 18,2024
Got approved immediately.
 
Note: I went with my medical which I did a year ago ,it was accepted, I thought I would need a new one, officer said it's still valid. 
 
I wont call it an  interview, I was only asked 3 question about security. the officer corrected my old AOS like address , marital status and job. 
So if you have a pending old 1-485 you might be call for interview for them to have up to date information about you, but if you submitted new 1-485 with your vawa petition or file later you will be mostly he among those interview will be waived.
Thank you vawa family.
Thank you for your reply @Sandra G. You saved me $500 for attorney fee, I went alone. 
 

Hello Family
 
Good News is here... 
I contacted my attorney's office and they took a whole day to find my GC in their mail finally, I got a call back saying that they had my GC in the office. I picked up my GC and felt so Relaxed...
 
What a relief, can't explain it in words...
 
Thanks Family

It's Wednesday!  Here is our highly effective* Semiofficial Semiweekly VAWA-Thread Joke:
     *at prompting good news and approvals, if correlation = causation
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LATER IN LIFE
 
I used to be able to do cartwheels.  Now, I tip over when putting on my underwear.
 
I hate it when I see an old person and then realize that we went to high school together.
 
I told my wife that she should embrace her mistakes -- so she hugged me.
 
My wife says I have only two faults:  I don't listen, and something else.
 
At my funeral, take the bouquet off my casket and throw it into the crowd to see who's next.
 
I came, I saw, I forgot what I was doing.  Retraced my steps, got lost on the way back, and now have no idea what's going on.
 
The senior version of "head, shoulders, knees, and toes" is "wallet, glasses, keys, and phone."
 
If you see me talking to myself, just move along.  I'm self-employed; we're having a staff meeting.
 
I won't be impressed with technology until I can download food.
 
I've reached the age where my train of thought often leaves the station without me.
 
I really don't mind getting old, but my body is having a major fit.
 
If you're happy and you know it, it's your meds!
 

I half suspect that they put the estimated time on like the 95th percentile (they claim that it's the 80% mark but I don't think that's very accurate). Basically they get to tell most service request "sit down and wait" since most except the unlucky few will fall within their claimed time limit.
 
Now, I'm not exactly sure how long it takes I-360 lately since I haven't been paying close attention to it. Mine was approved back in 2020 after 27 months and I was quite the outlier.
 
On the flip side my local field office lists 17.5 months for I-485, I filed mine back in mid-June 2023 and have an interview at end of April.
 
Last part is that they recently (1-1.5 years ago?) switched systems and basically ended up adopting a last-in-first-out approach on applications. Basically whatever is in the new system gets processed fairly quickly, whatever is left behind in the old system gets worked on very slowly, the overestimate on processing times likely is meant to keep people quiet in the old slow queue.

if approved march 12th, just give it 3 week-ish to receive your actual GC. its a bit slow lately for shipping
 
u can always file i-130 for her but thats about it. 
she cant get working permit, until her priority date become current and she can file i-485. every month you have to check the visa bulletin. 
 
still a good news. when is the interview date? break a leg ! 

Repeat to yourself:  Progress is progress.

It's Sunday -- time for our highly effective* Official Weekly VAWA-Thread Joke:
     *at prying loose approvals and good news, if correlation = causation
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LETTER FROM AMERICAN TOURIST TO QUEBEC TOURIST BUREAU
 
"I enjoyed attending my recent convention in Montreal.  However, I don't understand Canada.  Half of you speak French, and the other half let them."
 

Finally, today my GC got approved. What a relax ☺️ 
 
thanks all family members here for supporting and guiding me on every step.
 
 
 
 
 

Here's our Official Weekly VAWA-Thread Joke!
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BLONDE CELEBRATION
 
Two blondes, happy and excited, walked into a bar.  They ordered their drinks, and the bartender overheard them saying "Two weeks!" a few times as they clinked their glasses together.
 
Intrigued, he asked, "So what are you two ladies celebrating this evening?"
 
One blonde said, "We got this puzzle, and on the box it said "6 months to 1 year."  The other blonde said, "And we finished it together in only TWO WEEKS!"
 

Yeah it's at NBC.

Got an RFE for my medicals. Hopefully this will go like it did for most - means they waived my interview (something that I thought they didn't do for EWIs), approve me, and I'll be finally free.