53885
08-02 04:00 AM
Here is my prediction.
With July Fiasco INS has learnt their lessons.
They have potential to process and approve 40K cases in one month.
Once all receipting is done by Sept 17th for all late Aug 17th filers, they will immediately start processing all oct 08 current cases.
I think they might even issue again 40K cases in october ?
Why not ?
So it is important to quickly do the FP and after FP within 3 weeks the name check gets cleared.
So anyone who does FP in Sept and who is current in oct , be ready to get your GC soon.
I would say dont be surprised if it takes just one month to approve ?????
Guys,
Discussing this topic all day will not get you any closer to getting GC.
Though this has been mentioned many times, I will say that the only thing in your hand right now is to take some ACTIONS.
Make sure Congress members hear your voice.
If you have not already check these threads out http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?t=11428
http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?t=10747
With July Fiasco INS has learnt their lessons.
They have potential to process and approve 40K cases in one month.
Once all receipting is done by Sept 17th for all late Aug 17th filers, they will immediately start processing all oct 08 current cases.
I think they might even issue again 40K cases in october ?
Why not ?
So it is important to quickly do the FP and after FP within 3 weeks the name check gets cleared.
So anyone who does FP in Sept and who is current in oct , be ready to get your GC soon.
I would say dont be surprised if it takes just one month to approve ?????
Guys,
Discussing this topic all day will not get you any closer to getting GC.
Though this has been mentioned many times, I will say that the only thing in your hand right now is to take some ACTIONS.
Make sure Congress members hear your voice.
If you have not already check these threads out http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?t=11428
http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?t=10747
wallpaper Singers Rihanna and Chris
redcard
08-23 11:21 AM
People who did BSc and BA...have gotten thier Gc approved recently...by getting pre-approved..LC's applying in e2-rir even though they do not qualify in EB2.people who did MS from top schools and stayed with good companies are in e2/ e3 categories are in BEC.....What an irony..
Is there any use in comming here as a student?? anymore..
Stop crying.. no one forced you to come here to study.. you came by choice like the other people who came here to work on H1... you decided to stay here for working, again no one forced you ... you decided to apply for GC again no one forced you... you decided to join a good company who would not substitute a labor .. again no once forced you... you had options like all the other people who came here on BS or whatever degree.. maybe you made the wrong move when it came to GC and the other people made a smarter move.. so don't cry on that.. if you wish to cry .. cry for the labor substitution rule.. it will help
Is there any use in comming here as a student?? anymore..
Stop crying.. no one forced you to come here to study.. you came by choice like the other people who came here to work on H1... you decided to stay here for working, again no one forced you ... you decided to apply for GC again no one forced you... you decided to join a good company who would not substitute a labor .. again no once forced you... you had options like all the other people who came here on BS or whatever degree.. maybe you made the wrong move when it came to GC and the other people made a smarter move.. so don't cry on that.. if you wish to cry .. cry for the labor substitution rule.. it will help
vaayu
06-28 09:16 AM
We've used this service last two times and it was great. His name is Mark.
2011 He said of Chris Brown#39;s
ramus
06-28 04:38 PM
Why you increasing everybody's pressure??? Don't you have anything to do better then this?
O MY GOD !! You are so right............guys.. check out Rajiv Khanna's web site, Check out Sheela Murthy's web site, USCIS.....everyone is saying the same.........we are royally screwed. God Helppppppppppp
O MY GOD !! You are so right............guys.. check out Rajiv Khanna's web site, Check out Sheela Murthy's web site, USCIS.....everyone is saying the same.........we are royally screwed. God Helppppppppppp
more...
arihant
10-26 05:13 PM
A) Yes, you can transfer the pending h1 extension to premium.
B) For current status https://egov.immigration.gov/cris/jsps/ptimes.jsp with your respective service center.
Thank you for your response. ANy idea how long the conversion would take?
B) For current status https://egov.immigration.gov/cris/jsps/ptimes.jsp with your respective service center.
Thank you for your response. ANy idea how long the conversion would take?
optimystic
05-12 08:36 PM
There are certain things that money cannot buy [for everything else there is Master card :) ].
Seriously, If $2000 dollars would buy you a GC (guaranteed) then I think most (> 90%) of the people on this forum would have gone for that (or atleast convince their employers to part with that amount for a guaranteed ROI)
It would be good to get some kind of insight into the thought process of IV core/lead team and how they think they can put a million dollars to effective use?
I mean can we lobby/cultivate our own caucus (not cactus :D) from the ground up in the congress etc, who can work for our cause? What other such effective things can be done?
Any kind of roadmap/plan of action that would probably help generate an interest and convince atleast some people to start donating.
Just saw this on cnet .
http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9941962-7.html?tag=nefd.top
"The Hispanic Caucus sees it as a bargaining chip to get what they want, which is comprehensive immigration reform, amnesty for illegal immigrants, whatever you want to call it," Fishman said. "Until the Democratic leadership allows legislation (related to H-1Bs) to go to the floor on its own merits, that's the situation we have here."
Though this is only about H1-B, but I would guess, that caucus would be looking at even other legal immigration/GC related proposals, amendments that come thru and try their best to piggy back on them to further their own agenda. To be able to effectively push legal immigration related laws/changes on their own merit and not held back in one common basket, we might need an equally powerful legal immigration/H1B caucus out there.
But how to get there? Will million dollars help?
Thats the million dollar question currently on everyone's mind I guess :D
Seriously, If $2000 dollars would buy you a GC (guaranteed) then I think most (> 90%) of the people on this forum would have gone for that (or atleast convince their employers to part with that amount for a guaranteed ROI)
It would be good to get some kind of insight into the thought process of IV core/lead team and how they think they can put a million dollars to effective use?
I mean can we lobby/cultivate our own caucus (not cactus :D) from the ground up in the congress etc, who can work for our cause? What other such effective things can be done?
Any kind of roadmap/plan of action that would probably help generate an interest and convince atleast some people to start donating.
Just saw this on cnet .
http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9941962-7.html?tag=nefd.top
"The Hispanic Caucus sees it as a bargaining chip to get what they want, which is comprehensive immigration reform, amnesty for illegal immigrants, whatever you want to call it," Fishman said. "Until the Democratic leadership allows legislation (related to H-1Bs) to go to the floor on its own merits, that's the situation we have here."
Though this is only about H1-B, but I would guess, that caucus would be looking at even other legal immigration/GC related proposals, amendments that come thru and try their best to piggy back on them to further their own agenda. To be able to effectively push legal immigration related laws/changes on their own merit and not held back in one common basket, we might need an equally powerful legal immigration/H1B caucus out there.
But how to get there? Will million dollars help?
Thats the million dollar question currently on everyone's mind I guess :D
more...
ab2k7
07-05 04:19 PM
Thanks for your response, paisa. Does that mean start over the whole process from LC for GC again? As per this doc there is a difference b/w LCA for H1B and LC for GC. So incase a H1B employee files LC for GC, does he also need to maintain LCA in parallel? This is still not clear to me.
I've found this doc from
www.lawmh.com/practice_areas/pdfs/H-1B%20Visas.pdf
'
Labor Condition Application (“LCA”): This document attests to the DOL that the employer will pay the prevailing wage and that hiring the H-1B worker will not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of U.S. workers. The LCA must be certified by the DOL, and included in the H-1B package. The LCA process is now streamlined with the use of electronic filings. LCAs can be obtained in a matter of seconds. NOTE: The LCA is not the same as Labor Certification for green card purposes. For an LCA in connection with an H-1B, there is no need to advertise the job or to test the labor market
for U.S. workers.
'
Would appreciate if someone can shed some light.
Thanks in advance.
I've found this doc from
www.lawmh.com/practice_areas/pdfs/H-1B%20Visas.pdf
'
Labor Condition Application (“LCA”): This document attests to the DOL that the employer will pay the prevailing wage and that hiring the H-1B worker will not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of U.S. workers. The LCA must be certified by the DOL, and included in the H-1B package. The LCA process is now streamlined with the use of electronic filings. LCAs can be obtained in a matter of seconds. NOTE: The LCA is not the same as Labor Certification for green card purposes. For an LCA in connection with an H-1B, there is no need to advertise the job or to test the labor market
for U.S. workers.
'
Would appreciate if someone can shed some light.
Thanks in advance.
2010 Rihanna and Chris Brown are
chanduv23
03-14 12:16 PM
Thank you all for your responses. We just wanted to keep a plan B active. Both of us are on h1b and from India. After residency, she will have 3 more years on h1b, and I am entering 8th year on h1b, if we don't get GC after all this, we would like to try various options like India, Canada, Australia etc.. and that's why we started enquiring.
more...
immi_seeker
07-14 01:57 PM
I have a similar issue, Applied for a EAD that is expiring in Sep08 on June10th08, Got EAD approved from NSC on July7th and saw that the new EAD Card is valid from 01/01/08 to 01/01/09, so in effect its extended by 4 months.
Planning to call NSC to see what I can do,
Ok, so it maynot be neccessarily be a typographical error as i thought, unless all the cards that have been approved on july 7th had this erro. pls let me know what you find. Usually7 level1 officers have no info..so try to see if u can reach a level3 customer officer..i will contact uscis again this afternoon and will post the outcome.
btw, what is ur PD & categoru
Planning to call NSC to see what I can do,
Ok, so it maynot be neccessarily be a typographical error as i thought, unless all the cards that have been approved on july 7th had this erro. pls let me know what you find. Usually7 level1 officers have no info..so try to see if u can reach a level3 customer officer..i will contact uscis again this afternoon and will post the outcome.
btw, what is ur PD & categoru
hair rihanna and chris brown sex
longwaitneeds2end
09-16 03:25 PM
Jediknight,
Thank you so much for posting this on IV. We really need to stop such people from spreading hatered towards immigrants.
Signed the petition. :)
Thank you so much for posting this on IV. We really need to stop such people from spreading hatered towards immigrants.
Signed the petition. :)
more...
tabletpc
10-15 04:49 PM
I understand this is not a valid thread to be in this forum. In past I have seen similar post(ex: "Is it a good time to buy house in India"), I would not have posted this today.
hot chris brown and rihanna
for_gc
04-27 04:55 PM
First of all, no need to be so concerned. Also this is not unique situation.
Just apply for I140 for the EB3 (the labor you just got approved).
Once you get the EB3 I140 approved, you have 2 ways to port the PD:
1. Wait for EB2 to be corrent for year 2003(for the PD of your EB3). when its current, apply the 485 with your EB2 I140 and a copy of the EB3 I140 requesting the PD tarnsfer. Basically, your lawyer need to keep a cover letter in very bold letters that your application uses the PD of 2003 based on the EB3 I140 (copy of which need to be attached).
2. Send a request to the service center where your EB2 I140 is approved requesting to update your I140 approval notice with the new PD date. You need to send a copy of the EB3 I140.
The option 1 is the most commonly used procedure. How ever, if the PD is not current, you may use option 2. The option 2 may take time and the lawyer should send the PD transfering details in case of an RFE.
YOU NEED TO PROCEED WITH FILING THE I140 FOR THE EB3 AND WAIT FOR THE APPROVAL. THE PD CAN BE PORTED ONLY AFTER YOU GET THE EB3 I140 APPROVED.
My main concern though is with the chances of approval of I140 with EB3 category LC since I already got I140 approved in higher category (EB2) with the same company.
My company's lawyer said that since you already have I140 approved for EB2 category it is not possible or easy or risky (can't remember exactly what she said) to justify why we are going down from EB3 category to EB2 category.
Just apply for I140 for the EB3 (the labor you just got approved).
Once you get the EB3 I140 approved, you have 2 ways to port the PD:
1. Wait for EB2 to be corrent for year 2003(for the PD of your EB3). when its current, apply the 485 with your EB2 I140 and a copy of the EB3 I140 requesting the PD tarnsfer. Basically, your lawyer need to keep a cover letter in very bold letters that your application uses the PD of 2003 based on the EB3 I140 (copy of which need to be attached).
2. Send a request to the service center where your EB2 I140 is approved requesting to update your I140 approval notice with the new PD date. You need to send a copy of the EB3 I140.
The option 1 is the most commonly used procedure. How ever, if the PD is not current, you may use option 2. The option 2 may take time and the lawyer should send the PD transfering details in case of an RFE.
YOU NEED TO PROCEED WITH FILING THE I140 FOR THE EB3 AND WAIT FOR THE APPROVAL. THE PD CAN BE PORTED ONLY AFTER YOU GET THE EB3 I140 APPROVED.
My main concern though is with the chances of approval of I140 with EB3 category LC since I already got I140 approved in higher category (EB2) with the same company.
My company's lawyer said that since you already have I140 approved for EB2 category it is not possible or easy or risky (can't remember exactly what she said) to justify why we are going down from EB3 category to EB2 category.
more...
house Chris Brown And Rihanna
mdforgc
05-19 04:48 AM
I am not a lawyer, just an immigrant who waded thru these, stil pending GC 485 filed. The issue is, if your employer revokes your 140 before it is approved, or worse yet, if it is not filed, I dont know what visa u r on or how much is left on it. In any case, from my experience, you have to be able to know and track ur application once it is filed, as in my experience there is an unholy nexus betwween employers and lawyers, not to mention the inherent delaying nature of these immigration lawyers. Points
1. Be able to track ur application on USCIS website with the receipt number
2. Do sweettalking with the employer till the 140 is filed and approved, then it is safest to stay for 6 months with your employer, then he can do diddly squat to you if u r able to file 485 and get an EAD. I take it that you are not affected by retrogression.
1. Be able to track ur application on USCIS website with the receipt number
2. Do sweettalking with the employer till the 140 is filed and approved, then it is safest to stay for 6 months with your employer, then he can do diddly squat to you if u r able to file 485 and get an EAD. I take it that you are not affected by retrogression.
tattoo but Chris Brown is holed
mallu
02-17 10:00 PM
I believe the spillover will come from ROW EB3
I was wondering what are the rules regarding the 'overflow' stuff. Any document ?
I was wondering what are the rules regarding the 'overflow' stuff. Any document ?
more...
pictures Kanye West Rihanna Kissing
knowDOL
08-24 10:32 AM
These may be the GC visas issued from consulates in India. THere is one more list for AOS and the numbers for India for 2005 for 1st, 2nd and 3rd pref employment category are as follows.
6,336
16,687
23,250
http://travel.state.gov/pdf/FY05tableV.pdf
I dunno from where they come upwith number. From the same site look at this link
http://travel.state.gov/pdf/FY05tableI.pdf - This is given at foreign out post.
EB - 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
43129 39289 29712 28624 21290
and compare with
http://travel.state.gov/pdf/FY05tableII.pdf
and compare with below data.
6,336
16,687
23,250
http://travel.state.gov/pdf/FY05tableV.pdf
I dunno from where they come upwith number. From the same site look at this link
http://travel.state.gov/pdf/FY05tableI.pdf - This is given at foreign out post.
EB - 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
43129 39289 29712 28624 21290
and compare with
http://travel.state.gov/pdf/FY05tableII.pdf
and compare with below data.
dresses Rihanna and Chris Brown
Jaime
07-20 12:36 PM
From the website http://www.immigration-law.com/Canada.html we can see that there are only 140000 GCs are given for employment. Also as per the current prediction on the same page shows that there will be 750000 new applications will be added in to system because of this recent events. Now follwing are some facts what I can see from these details:
1. As only 140000 visas can be givens per year. USCIS OR DOS can not cross this limit.
2. There is also per country limit. (I don't know what is the exact % for per country - think 10 -20 %)
3. If you count 20 % then for India the figure per year is 28000.
4 Now imagine how many years it will take to cover up the number like 750000.
My analysis:
-Based on these details you can predict that there is going to be more than 10 years to clear this thing. (except some new law passes).
- Some may get GC after 10 years of filing A485.
- For atleast 10 years PD remains Unavailable.
What do you say on this?
I agree but, I am certain that a law will get passed at some point to give us relief, especially given all the noise that we have made (and which we should continue to make). I just cannot imagine that they wouldn't pass any relief. And if the latter is the case, it will be slavery and hell on earth, right here in the Land of the Free.
1. As only 140000 visas can be givens per year. USCIS OR DOS can not cross this limit.
2. There is also per country limit. (I don't know what is the exact % for per country - think 10 -20 %)
3. If you count 20 % then for India the figure per year is 28000.
4 Now imagine how many years it will take to cover up the number like 750000.
My analysis:
-Based on these details you can predict that there is going to be more than 10 years to clear this thing. (except some new law passes).
- Some may get GC after 10 years of filing A485.
- For atleast 10 years PD remains Unavailable.
What do you say on this?
I agree but, I am certain that a law will get passed at some point to give us relief, especially given all the noise that we have made (and which we should continue to make). I just cannot imagine that they wouldn't pass any relief. And if the latter is the case, it will be slavery and hell on earth, right here in the Land of the Free.
more...
makeup chris-rown-and-rihanna
webm
03-19 02:32 PM
RD is also not a reliable predictor since there are people who have been approved who applied for AOS in July 2007 while those who had applied prior to this are still waiting to see the light.
It is a random process for sure.
yes looks like its a random pick..
There are guys which got and not got (waiting) even PD is current and RD not fall under processing dates.Its kind of mixed possibles!!
It is a random process for sure.
yes looks like its a random pick..
There are guys which got and not got (waiting) even PD is current and RD not fall under processing dates.Its kind of mixed possibles!!
girlfriend Chris Brown and Rihanna
raysaikat
04-22 01:20 PM
thank you so much
I was thinking the same.
so do you think should i transfer to H1B and how does it happen.
thanks for sharing your opinions on my query.
Your employer applies for H1-B, not you. Find an employer who is willing to offer you a job and willing to petition H1-B on your behalf. As long as the H1-B quota is not exhausted and the petition was correctly filed, etc., you will get H1-B.
I was thinking the same.
so do you think should i transfer to H1B and how does it happen.
thanks for sharing your opinions on my query.
Your employer applies for H1-B, not you. Find an employer who is willing to offer you a job and willing to petition H1-B on your behalf. As long as the H1-B quota is not exhausted and the petition was correctly filed, etc., you will get H1-B.
hairstyles Chris Brown
bskrishna
08-03 12:16 PM
what to you mean by 485 fingerprinting?
Is it just getting it done or any other issue relating to this...
Is it just getting it done or any other issue relating to this...
pappu
03-17 03:55 PM
http://www.dhs.gov/xabout/structure/gc_1294871282792.shtm
Teleconference Recap: FOIA: How Is It Working For You?
On December 6, 2010, the Ombudsman's Office hosted a public teleconference on "FOIA: How Is It Working for You?" where the Ombudsman's Office interviewed Terry Sloan, Acting Center Director, National Records Center and Jill Eggleston, the Assistant Center Director ofFreedom of Information Act (FOIA) Operations for the National Records Center at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Inquiries to the Ombudsman's Office have identified FOIA requests as an area where the public continues to experience frustration in relation to citizenship and immigration services. Please direct any inquiries related to the topics raised in this teleconference to Margaret Gleason, Senior Advisor to the Ombudsman, at margaret.gleason@dhs.gov. If you have a concern with your USCIS FOIA request and have been unable to resolve the issue with USCIS, the Ombudsman's Office may be able to help.
Freedom of Information Act
Under the FOIA statute, "any person" may request documents from a U.S. government agency. This applies to both U.S. citizens and to citizens of foreign countries. The law allows 20 business days for response to a FOIA request. USCIS has been unable to make that deadline to date, although processing has improved in the past few years. Agencies may withhold information from a FOIA requester under certain exemptions. The law does not allow an agency to withhold information for other reasons, such as possible embarrassment to the agency.
USCIS Processing of FOIA Requests
USCIS FOIA processing is consolidated at the National Records Center (NRC). Prior to 2005, FOIA requests were decentralized, and could be handled on the local level by USCIS. In FY 2006, USCIS had a backlog of more than 88,000 FOIA requests. Jill Eggleston reported in the teleconference that in FY 2010 the backlog was down to 8,000 cases.
There are currently 120 NRC employees, with 30 more new employees authorized for hiring in 2011. Ms. Eggleston informed teleconference participants that current USCIS processing times for FOIA requests vary according to the type of request and that USCIS sorts FOIA requests into three separate tracks. Ms Eggleston also noted the processing time for each type of request.
* Track One FOIA Requests, or simple document requests, are those that request only a specific document, such as a copy of a particular immigration petition.
Processing time: 43 working days
* Track Two FOIA Requests are those where an entire file is requested.
Processing time: 34 working days
* Track Three FOIA Requests are those requests where the individual has a pending hearing scheduled before the Immigration Court.
Processing time: 59 working days
In the FOIA Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2009, the processing times published for USCIS show an average processing time of 215 business days for Track One FOIA requests, 344 business days for Track Two FOIA requests, and an average of 60 business days for Track Three FOIA Requests.
USCIS FOIA Process
As stated on the teleconference, FOIA requests to USCIS can be made with a Form G-639 (PDF - 2 pages, 100 KB) or by written request submitted by mail to USCIS NRC, P.O. Box 648010, Lee's Summit, Mo. 64064-8010; or by fax to 816-350-5785. Most FOIA requests are free, but if fees exceed $25, the requester will be notified in advance of such a charge. Ms. Eggleston stated that a web-based request system would be established in the near future and will be rolled out in two phases: Phase One will be for media requests, while Phase Two will be for all other requests. Currently, the status of a FOIA request can be checked with an NRC receipt number through the FOIA link on USCIS Home Page (http://www.uscis.gov).
Appeals of USCIS FOIA denials or material withheld under FOIA exemptions may be filed to USCIS FOIA Appeals, 150 Space Center Loop, Lee's Summit, Mo. 64064-2139.
As noted in the teleconference, more information on filing FOIA requests with other Department of Homeland Security components, such as U.S. Customs and Border Protection or U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, is available at DHS | Freedom of Information Act & Privacy Act (http://www.dhs.gov/foia).
Expedite Criteria
By regulation, there are narrow expedite criteria that may allow a requester priority to receive a FOIA response. Expedites will only be granted for cases that present an imminent threat to life or safety requiring the FOIA response, or where there is an urgency to inform the public.
Overall, FOIA requests are handled on a first-come, first-served basis, which is only differentiated based on the three tracks described above, or the occasional expedite case.
Teleconference Questions
In response to questions from callers on the teleconference, Ms. Eggleston stated that certain information is required with a FOIA request to verify identity including name, address, date of birth, and place of birth. Without this information, a FOIA request is incomplete. If information in a file is incorrect, a Form G-639 (PDF - 2 pages, 100 KB) can be used to correct information under the Privacy Act. Another caller asked if USCIS could retrieve an envelope with a postmark from a particular file under FOIA. This documentation might be needed to support an application for adjustment of status under . Ms. Eggleston stated that there is a separate receipt file where payments to USCIS are recorded. If a receipt is requested, the FOIA request should specify that the NRC should search the alien's receipt file.
If records are requested on behalf of a child, Ms. Eggleston stated that names of parents will be requested, and USCIS may ask for proof of parent or guardian relationship before sending information to that party.
Ms. Eggleston said that sometimes in denying FOIA requests for persons with final removal orders, USCIS invokes the 'fugitive disentitlement doctrine' under Meddah v. Reno, No. 98-1444, (E.D. Pa. Dec. 8, 1998). She also said that her office may refer such FOIA requests to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE
Teleconference Recap: FOIA: How Is It Working For You?
On December 6, 2010, the Ombudsman's Office hosted a public teleconference on "FOIA: How Is It Working for You?" where the Ombudsman's Office interviewed Terry Sloan, Acting Center Director, National Records Center and Jill Eggleston, the Assistant Center Director ofFreedom of Information Act (FOIA) Operations for the National Records Center at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Inquiries to the Ombudsman's Office have identified FOIA requests as an area where the public continues to experience frustration in relation to citizenship and immigration services. Please direct any inquiries related to the topics raised in this teleconference to Margaret Gleason, Senior Advisor to the Ombudsman, at margaret.gleason@dhs.gov. If you have a concern with your USCIS FOIA request and have been unable to resolve the issue with USCIS, the Ombudsman's Office may be able to help.
Freedom of Information Act
Under the FOIA statute, "any person" may request documents from a U.S. government agency. This applies to both U.S. citizens and to citizens of foreign countries. The law allows 20 business days for response to a FOIA request. USCIS has been unable to make that deadline to date, although processing has improved in the past few years. Agencies may withhold information from a FOIA requester under certain exemptions. The law does not allow an agency to withhold information for other reasons, such as possible embarrassment to the agency.
USCIS Processing of FOIA Requests
USCIS FOIA processing is consolidated at the National Records Center (NRC). Prior to 2005, FOIA requests were decentralized, and could be handled on the local level by USCIS. In FY 2006, USCIS had a backlog of more than 88,000 FOIA requests. Jill Eggleston reported in the teleconference that in FY 2010 the backlog was down to 8,000 cases.
There are currently 120 NRC employees, with 30 more new employees authorized for hiring in 2011. Ms. Eggleston informed teleconference participants that current USCIS processing times for FOIA requests vary according to the type of request and that USCIS sorts FOIA requests into three separate tracks. Ms Eggleston also noted the processing time for each type of request.
* Track One FOIA Requests, or simple document requests, are those that request only a specific document, such as a copy of a particular immigration petition.
Processing time: 43 working days
* Track Two FOIA Requests are those where an entire file is requested.
Processing time: 34 working days
* Track Three FOIA Requests are those requests where the individual has a pending hearing scheduled before the Immigration Court.
Processing time: 59 working days
In the FOIA Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2009, the processing times published for USCIS show an average processing time of 215 business days for Track One FOIA requests, 344 business days for Track Two FOIA requests, and an average of 60 business days for Track Three FOIA Requests.
USCIS FOIA Process
As stated on the teleconference, FOIA requests to USCIS can be made with a Form G-639 (PDF - 2 pages, 100 KB) or by written request submitted by mail to USCIS NRC, P.O. Box 648010, Lee's Summit, Mo. 64064-8010; or by fax to 816-350-5785. Most FOIA requests are free, but if fees exceed $25, the requester will be notified in advance of such a charge. Ms. Eggleston stated that a web-based request system would be established in the near future and will be rolled out in two phases: Phase One will be for media requests, while Phase Two will be for all other requests. Currently, the status of a FOIA request can be checked with an NRC receipt number through the FOIA link on USCIS Home Page (http://www.uscis.gov).
Appeals of USCIS FOIA denials or material withheld under FOIA exemptions may be filed to USCIS FOIA Appeals, 150 Space Center Loop, Lee's Summit, Mo. 64064-2139.
As noted in the teleconference, more information on filing FOIA requests with other Department of Homeland Security components, such as U.S. Customs and Border Protection or U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, is available at DHS | Freedom of Information Act & Privacy Act (http://www.dhs.gov/foia).
Expedite Criteria
By regulation, there are narrow expedite criteria that may allow a requester priority to receive a FOIA response. Expedites will only be granted for cases that present an imminent threat to life or safety requiring the FOIA response, or where there is an urgency to inform the public.
Overall, FOIA requests are handled on a first-come, first-served basis, which is only differentiated based on the three tracks described above, or the occasional expedite case.
Teleconference Questions
In response to questions from callers on the teleconference, Ms. Eggleston stated that certain information is required with a FOIA request to verify identity including name, address, date of birth, and place of birth. Without this information, a FOIA request is incomplete. If information in a file is incorrect, a Form G-639 (PDF - 2 pages, 100 KB) can be used to correct information under the Privacy Act. Another caller asked if USCIS could retrieve an envelope with a postmark from a particular file under FOIA. This documentation might be needed to support an application for adjustment of status under . Ms. Eggleston stated that there is a separate receipt file where payments to USCIS are recorded. If a receipt is requested, the FOIA request should specify that the NRC should search the alien's receipt file.
If records are requested on behalf of a child, Ms. Eggleston stated that names of parents will be requested, and USCIS may ask for proof of parent or guardian relationship before sending information to that party.
Ms. Eggleston said that sometimes in denying FOIA requests for persons with final removal orders, USCIS invokes the 'fugitive disentitlement doctrine' under Meddah v. Reno, No. 98-1444, (E.D. Pa. Dec. 8, 1998). She also said that her office may refer such FOIA requests to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE
sbmallik
09-03 02:27 PM
Correct! TSC is bend on approving cases with later PDs ... no other logic holds ...
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