VSC

[MsZ 6]

In the document I linked to :

2. Adjudications of Backlogged Cases

From numerous visits to USCIS facilities, the Ombudsman has observed that adjudicators prefer to work on the cases that are easiest to complete. Adjudicators pick the “low hanging fruit” first because supervisors base performance evaluations on the number of cases completed. Consequently, adjudicators put aside the most difficult and time-intensive cases. These cases remain pending, perhaps for years, while backlog reduction appears generally to be succeeding.

The Ombudsman fully supports USCIS efforts to quickly and efficiently complete the cases. However, the current drive to complete large numbers of cases presents problems. For

Page 14 www.dhs.gov/cisombudsman email: cisombudsman@dhs.gov June 2007

Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman Annual Report to Congress June 2007

example, USCIS provides field offices resources based on what is needed to complete a typical case. It is the Ombudsman’s understanding that if field offices have a workload of 1,000 cases and USCIS determines each case usually takes one hour to complete, USCIS will provide financial support for 1,000 hours. Cases that take longer than an hour to complete are not provided additional resources in the office’s budget. Offices with more than the average numbers of difficult cases or offices that try to work the difficult cases thoroughly will not be adequately funded because the number of completions will be low. Meanwhile, offices that push to complete the easy cases will see their budgets grow. One field office visited by the Ombudsman has a large number of long-pending cases which require substantial adjudicator hours. However, officers at that office indicate that they cannot address the older, difficult cases without negatively affecting their productivity report to USCIS headquarters.

RECOMMENDATION AR 2007 -- 02

The Ombudsman has observed that newer cases are processed more quickly while cases more than six months old are increasingly backlogged. The Ombudsman supports the USCIS drive to maximize case completions, but attention needs to be directed at clearing older cases.

The Ombudsman recommends that USCIS provide a clearer picture of the current backlog by providing information on the number of pending cases by form type with receipts that are: (1) less than 90 days; (2) less than 180 days; (3) less than one year; (4) less than two years; (5) less than three years; (6) less than four years; and (7) greater than four years.

3. Backlogged Form I-130 Petitions for Foreign National Relatives

In its Response to the Ombudsman’s 2006 Annual Report (at pp. 8-9) and the recommendation (AR 2006 – 03) regarding the timely processing of I-130s, USCIS stated that it is not practical to process them as soon as they are received:

Where the person will not be able to immigrate within a year due to the overall limits on legal immigration, USCIS’ goal . . . is to process the case twelve months ahead of visa availability to ensure that DOS has sufficient time to complete their part of the processing. This process ensures that an eligible person’s eventual immigration to the United States will not be delayed by USCIS processing . . ..

USCIS believes having different service levels for different kinds of applications, which reflect relative time sensitivity and risk, while using those with less time sensitivity as a buffer, results in a system that is more cost effective for both USCIS and its customers.

Further, while processing a relative petition immediately, even if the person will thereafter have to wait to immigrate, may appear

June 2007 www.dhs.gov/cisombudsman email: cisombudsman@dhs.gov Page 15

Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman Annual Report to Congress June 2007

ideal [. . . ,] the evaluation is best performed closer to the time the person would actually receive the benefit. In addition, USCIS is currently evaluating the impact of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006, Pub. L. 109-249, which adds additional public safety screening requirements before a petition is approved to protect the relative being sponsored. It may be appropriate that those checks should similarly be done closer to the time at which the person would actually be able to immigrate.

Despite making several valid points, USCIS is merely delaying the inevitable and, in effect, increasing the cost to the agency to process these cases. The cost to complete the current backlog of over 800,000 I-130 petitions is more than $225 million today, based on USCIS’ cost estimates explained in its proposed fee rule.

26 Because applicants paid for these petitions when they were submitted in previous years, their payments do not cover today’s costs or future USCIS costs to process them. Each year that processing is delayed the cost to USCIS will increase if for no other reason than to account for inflation. Thus, the fact that USCIS can process each of these petitions to conclusion now and chooses by policy not to do so is fiscally unwise.

In addition, the impact on beneficiaries is significant. By statute, certain approved petitions terminated by the petitioner’s death are reinstated for humanitarian reasons for the petitioner’s beneficiaries.

27 By USCIS not approving I-130 petitions in a timely manner, beneficiaries cannot benefit from this important humanitarian exception.

----------

Now I know that there are some initiatives in play to reduce the backlog, but does anyone have any info on what they are?

[Ya and Probz 0]

I check uscis homepage every other day and nothing has changed since it first was visible online.I didnt file as early as you guys did and my heart goes out to all of you and Im hoping and praying for a quick process for everybody...

I miss my husband ...I havent seen him since Feb. Some days are okay..others are just bad..Im so ready to pack my things and just leave

[MsZ 6]

One might get the impression that Vermont is clearing out all (easy) 130s first regardless of the type of application in order to say they are addressing the backlog while not admitting that they are once again, not operating in the spirit of the recommendations.

That thing about who gets paid for what and when really disturbs me.

The process is major effed up, folks.

Given the above, it would seem that a moment after 6 months of waiting should be sufficient to get people concerned. And if USCIS doesn't like it, they can take the other recommendation of the Ombudsman and make the process and information more transparent.

[Delicia 1]

One might get the impression that Vermont is clearing out all (easy) 130s first regardless of the type of application in order to say they are addressing the backlog while not admitting that they are once again, not operating in the spirit of the recommendations.

That thing about who gets paid for what and when really disturbs me.

The process is major effed up, folks.

Given the above, it would seem that a moment after 6 months of waiting should be sufficient to get people concerned. And if USCIS doesn't like it, they can take the other recommendation of the Ombudsman and make the process and information more transparent.

Keep in mind that per my senator at least, a congressman cannot take action (i.e., send a letter of inquiry to the USCIS) until 6 months from the NOA-1 date or if the case falls outside of processing times as posted by USCIS on their website. This is particularly frustratrating for those of us who waited 90+ days for that NOA-1. In a nutshell, we are stuck without recourse for a 9 month period, minimum.

Edited May 9, 2008 by Delicia

[MsZ 6]

What might be helpful would be for several people from each state to get together and submit complaints to an official (congressman, senator, whatever) so that the official sees that this isn't a single person with a question -- it is many people with the same questions.

And we can let them know that other officials from other states are getting similar documents from their constituents.

They may not be able to act on a particular case but it would seem to me that they would be able to focus on a system that's clearly broken.

At least one of us in each couple is a voter and someday we'll have two voters.

[kitty loves moudi 0]

What might be helpful would be for several people from each state to get together and submit complaints to an official (congressman, senator, whatever) so that the official sees that this isn't a single person with a question -- it is many people with the same questions.

And we can let them know that other officials from other states are getting similar documents from their constituents.

They may not be able to act on a particular case but it would seem to me that they would be able to focus on a system that's clearly broken.

At least one of us in each couple is a voter and someday we'll have two voters.

MsZ, I am now on my day 204, 6 days short of 7 months waiting.

Your suggestion is worth a try, to stirr things maybe just maybe it might work for all of us left behind.

Would you mind to write up the letter which in turn we can all add our information to and send it out immediately? You have a wonderful way to articulate points, and I think most of us would certainly send it to our constituents.

[kitty loves moudi 0]

It's been 1 year since I last saw my husband!

Edited May 10, 2008 by kitty loves moudi

[produke 0]

I wonder how far can human emotion go, until explosion!

seriously bad for relationship. My wifey and I find ourselves so frustrated at times. We are imploding and exploting all at the same time. Sad ....my bro, who is also a US itizen, got married 3 years ago in Pakistan, and brought his wife here on I-130 in only 10 months. I am now into 11th month with only a stooopid receipt.... Sometimes my bro tells me how lucky he and his wife are. At that moment, I feel like punching him in the face.

[shrewdgal 0]

I wonder how far can human emotion go, until explosion!

seriously bad for relationship. My wifey and I find ourselves so frustrated at times. We are imploding and exploting all at the same time. Sad ....my bro, who is also a US itizen, got married 3 years ago in Pakistan, and brought his wife here on I-130 in only 10 months. I am now into 11th month with only a stooopid receipt.... Sometimes my bro tells me how lucky he and his wife are. At that moment, I feel like punching him in the face.

punch him in the collar bone..it hurts worse.

[NicoleX08 1]

I wonder how far can human emotion go, until explosion!

seriously bad for relationship. My wifey and I find ourselves so frustrated at times. We are imploding and exploting all at the same time. Sad ....my bro, who is also a US itizen, got married 3 years ago in Pakistan, and brought his wife here on I-130 in only 10 months. I am now into 11th month with only a stooopid receipt.... Sometimes my bro tells me how lucky he and his wife are. At that moment, I feel like punching him in the face.

punch him in the collar bone..it hurts worse.

That made me laugh! I am so sorry that you all have been waiting so long. It is not fair that we as spouses are trying the best we can to make our spouses legal and no one says a word edgewise, but if our spouses came over illegally, that shoud get tons of media, senators, congressmen and presidential candidates interested. It bugs me to no end how hypocritical we as a country are. We don't want illegal immigrants, but we don't want the legal ones either...

[Beth/ Paris Heart 2]

I wonder how far can human emotion go, until explosion!

seriously bad for relationship. My wifey and I find ourselves so frustrated at times. We are imploding and exploting all at the same time. Sad ....my bro, who is also a US itizen, got married 3 years ago in Pakistan, and brought his wife here on I-130 in only 10 months. I am now into 11th month with only a stooopid receipt.... Sometimes my bro tells me how lucky he and his wife are. At that moment, I feel like punching him in the face.

punch him in the collar bone..it hurts worse.

That made me laugh! I am so sorry that you all have been waiting so long. It is not fair that we as spouses are trying the best we can to make our spouses legal and no one says a word edgewise, but if our spouses came over illegally, that shoud get tons of media, senators, congressmen and presidential candidates interested. It bugs me to no end how hypocritical we as a country are. We don't want illegal immigrants, but we don't want the legal ones either...

In Houston there are 38,000 criminal illegals . Big story on news. and what do they have, the USA One killed a HPD officer 2 years ago for a traffic stop.

And we pour our hearts out crying for our loved ones, which we apply for them to come here legally and all we get is Wait from USCIS. ITS NOT FAIR.

I may have to go to Algeria to live, cause my husbands student visa expires in France in January. My husband fears for my safety there.

I cant stand it anymore, what to do????? Ive never lived anywhere else, he can protect me, but not all the time. I cant leave my home. I know that is selfish, but Im more scared of losing my marriage .

Paris

[shrewdgal 0]

I wonder how far can human emotion go, until explosion!

seriously bad for relationship. My wifey and I find ourselves so frustrated at times. We are imploding and exploting all at the same time. Sad ....my bro, who is also a US itizen, got married 3 years ago in Pakistan, and brought his wife here on I-130 in only 10 months. I am now into 11th month with only a stooopid receipt.... Sometimes my bro tells me how lucky he and his wife are. At that moment, I feel like punching him in the face.

punch him in the collar bone..it hurts worse.

That made me laugh! I am so sorry that you all have been waiting so long. It is not fair that we as spouses are trying the best we can to make our spouses legal and no one says a word edgewise, but if our spouses came over illegally, that shoud get tons of media, senators, congressmen and presidential candidates interested. It bugs me to no end how hypocritical we as a country are. We don't want illegal immigrants, but we don't want the legal ones either...

In Houston there are 38,000 criminal illegals . Big story on news. and what do they have, the USA One killed a HPD officer 2 years ago for a traffic stop.

And we pour our hearts out crying for our loved ones, which we apply for them to come here legally and all we get is Wait from USCIS. ITS NOT FAIR.

I may have to go to Algeria to live, cause my husbands student visa expires in France in January. My husband fears for my safety there.

I cant stand it anymore, what to do????? Ive never lived anywhere else, he can protect me, but not all the time. I cant leave my home. I know that is selfish, but Im more scared of losing my marriage .

Paris

I think we are all in that same boat PAris.

The reality of this situation is that regardless of how in love we are this is not what marriage was meant to be. God has not called a husband and wife to be separate and eventually if something isnt done, it will destroy our relationships.

The fact that some have been waiting over 250 days and noone seems to care or be able to help them is really scary for us all.

[Beth/ Paris Heart 2]

I wonder how far can human emotion go, until explosion!

seriously bad for relationship. My wifey and I find ourselves so frustrated at times. We are imploding and exploting all at the same time. Sad ....my bro, who is also a US itizen, got married 3 years ago in Pakistan, and brought his wife here on I-130 in only 10 months. I am now into 11th month with only a stooopid receipt.... Sometimes my bro tells me how lucky he and his wife are. At that moment, I feel like punching him in the face.

punch him in the collar bone..it hurts worse.

That made me laugh! I am so sorry that you all have been waiting so long. It is not fair that we as spouses are trying the best we can to make our spouses legal and no one says a word edgewise, but if our spouses came over illegally, that shoud get tons of media, senators, congressmen and presidential candidates interested. It bugs me to no end how hypocritical we as a country are. We don't want illegal immigrants, but we don't want the legal ones either...

In Houston there are 38,000 criminal illegals . Big story on news. and what do they have, the USA One killed a HPD officer 2 years ago for a traffic stop.

And we pour our hearts out crying for our loved ones, which we apply for them to come here legally and all we get is Wait from USCIS. ITS NOT FAIR.

I may have to go to Algeria to live, cause my husbands student visa expires in France in January. My husband fears for my safety there.

I cant stand it anymore, what to do????? Ive never lived anywhere else, he can protect me, but not all the time. I cant leave my home. I know that is selfish, but Im more scared of losing my marriage .

Paris

I think we are all in that same boat PAris.

The reality of this situation is that regardless of how in love we are this is not what marriage was meant to be. God has not called a husband and wife to be separate and eventually if something isnt done, it will destroy our relationships.

The fact that some have been waiting over 250 days and noone seems to care or be able to help them is really scary for us all.

Shrewdgal,

Hi know, does it feel like our oun U.S. government has abadoned us? I do, I know I have not been waiting as long as you and others, its just seeing these K1 petitions passed so quickly. We are married, we have chose our lifetime spouse, and only want a life here with them.

God bless us all. I pray for all of us a quick happy ending.

Keep faith my friend.

Paris

[kitty loves moudi 0]

I wonder how far can human emotion go, until explosion!

seriously bad for relationship. My wifey and I find ourselves so frustrated at times. We are imploding and exploting all at the same time. Sad ....my bro, who is also a US itizen, got married 3 years ago in Pakistan, and brought his wife here on I-130 in only 10 months. I am now into 11th month with only a stooopid receipt.... Sometimes my bro tells me how lucky he and his wife are. At that moment, I feel like punching him in the face.

punch him in the collar bone..it hurts worse.

That made me laugh! I am so sorry that you all have been waiting so long. It is not fair that we as spouses are trying the best we can to make our spouses legal and no one says a word edgewise, but if our spouses came over illegally, that shoud get tons of media, senators, congressmen and presidential candidates interested. It bugs me to no end how hypocritical we as a country are. We don't want illegal immigrants, but we don't want the legal ones either...

In Houston there are 38,000 criminal illegals . Big story on news. and what do they have, the USA One killed a HPD officer 2 years ago for a traffic stop.

And we pour our hearts out crying for our loved ones, which we apply for them to come here legally and all we get is Wait from USCIS. ITS NOT FAIR.

I may have to go to Algeria to live, cause my husbands student visa expires in France in January. My husband fears for my safety there.

I cant stand it anymore, what to do????? Ive never lived anywhere else, he can protect me, but not all the time. I cant leave my home. I know that is selfish, but Im more scared of losing my marriage .

Paris

I think we are all in that same boat PAris.

The reality of this situation is that regardless of how in love we are this is not what marriage was meant to be. God has not called a husband and wife to be separate and eventually if something isnt done, it will destroy our relationships.

The fact that some have been waiting over 250 days and noone seems to care or be able to help them is really scary for us all.

It's exactly how I feel. Because those well over the 6 month mark have begun to post, I realized there was more than I'd anticipated. I feel for them and that knawing feeling of being left behind in the twilight zone.. while others get approved that filed well after.

I am scared to also end up the same, with almost nothing I can do about it.