Citizenship interview mess--can you help?

[airforce1 0]

Guys, I am newbie to the forum and thought I might offer this question before sending a letter to my congressman. My wife had to delay her naturalization since they did not have additional documents on hand to review for her interview. What a mess! The file was a previously rescinded fiance visa (we rescinded almost 3 years ago at the LA USCIS office). She could not get naturalized that day since her "files" were in a document processing center in Missouri. #######? Why couldn't they fax or email the file? And why are naturalization/citizenship cases only reviewed the day before the interview? Wouldn't someone smart enough organize all related files BEFORE the interview? As a result of this mess, we were forced to delay or return flight to Germany (I am currently stationed there) at a cost of over $600! So, before sending a complaint to the ombudsman and congressman, what else should I do? Thanks!

Maj Kim USAF

[moonhunt 1]

Guys, I am newbie to the forum and thought I might offer this question before sending a letter to my congressman. My wife had to delay her naturalization since they did not have additional documents on hand to review for her interview. What a mess! The file was a previously rescinded fiance visa (we rescinded almost 3 years ago at the LA USCIS office). She could not get naturalized that day since her "files" were in a document processing center in Missouri. #######? Why couldn't they fax or email the file? And why are naturalization/citizenship cases only reviewed the day before the interview? Wouldn't someone smart enough organize all related files BEFORE the interview? As a result of this mess, we were forced to delay or return flight to Germany (I am currently stationed there) at a cost of over $600! So, before sending a complaint to the ombudsman and congressman, what else should I do? Thanks!

Maj Kim USAF

That's why you have to keep everything as copy or another original, and bring with you at interview.

There are so many people from USCIS with different mind-set, so it is impossible to fix the problem from start.

When you go to interview next time, don't trust them for anything.

Have everything as copy or original, plus additional documentations, and bring it with you.

If you think the amount of files/documents they are dealing with, I'm not surprised that they lost your file somewhere, and told you they couldn't process your case because they had no record.

When I think of the amount of data, I don't think any kind of storage device can handle USCIS database at all.

Probably USCIS will generate 10 times or more than IRS's data.

From my past 10 or more years' exprience with INS and/or USCIS, you have to keep every record with them.

And it is you to prove everything is perfect, not USCIS interview officer.

That's what I learned from my journey with INS/USCIS for last 10 years.

Edited July 31, 2008 by moonhunt