Can the congressman help us?

[Johny E. 0]

So my fiancee and I applied for a k1 in June. We hired a lawyer recomended by the Congressman of my state. Now my question is, does he (the congressman) have any influence with immigration cases? If we asked him to help us speed up our case in any way, will he be able to? Anyone who might know anything about it, please reply. thank u.

[Zee Bee 61]

Until you are outside the processing times, there is nothing anyone can do to speed up your case.

[Fred N Emilia 0]

Wow you are barely even over 100 days.

[Cham 3]

Everyone of us want our sweeties home BUT we all must be patient. As one poster said IF you are out of the processing times then the congressman can't speed anything up...being patient is your best bet

[Devkpaik 1]

So my fiancee and I applied for a k1 in June. We hired a lawyer recomended by the Congressman of my state. Now my question is, does he (the congressman) have any influence with immigration cases? If we asked him to help us speed up our case in any way, will he be able to? Anyone who might know anything about it, please reply. thank u.

You've barely been waiting haha, so no they can't speed up your case, as you haven't even been waiting a long time. I know it seems like a long time to you, but it's all relative. You probably have another 1-3 months until you get your NOA 2.

They won't give you preferential treatment "just because you want your case to be processed quicker". However, if you are waiting longer than normal, and are way past the average processing times, then you can get your congressman involved.

[TBoneTX 45,304]

It is against House Ethics rules for a congressman to intercede directly in immigration cases on anyone's behalf. Only congressional staff can interact with the consulates, and probably also with USCIS.

I'm surprised (and a little disturbed) that your congressman recommended an attorney at all. That does NOT sound kosher.

[Marmite Lovers! 0]

No sorry. Your still within the processing time. Sit tight my friend.

[Carlawarla 1]

It is against House Ethics rules for a congressman to intercede directly in immigration cases on anyone's behalf. Only congressional staff can interact with the consulates, and probably also with USCIS.

I'm surprised (and a little disturbed) that your congressman recommended an attorney at all. That does NOT sound kosher.

I too was surprised although not being the American in my relationship, wasn't sure just how that worked. Interesting!

To the OP, you're within the time frame of normal processing.

Have you spoken to your lawyer? Has anyone given you any indication that your referral from your congressman was going to ensure your immigration would be expedited?

[Johny E. 0]

Tnx every1 for the replies. No one including the congressman made any promises to me or my fiancee. Thankfully we have a lot of support from family and friends, and thats how we got a referral, but once again with no promises made. And just to clear things up, although we only filed out papers in June, we have been apart much longer than that. It took us a few months to decide on the k1 and decide on a good lawyer. Our whole process has been based on a lot of research, at the end of this we will both know we tried everything to be reunited as fast as possible. I appreciate all the feedback.

[KimandRuss 0]

I have a good friend who is a Senator and an uncle in a high level government position... 'connections' don't help.

Like others have mentioned... it's a bit disconcerning to hear that a lawyer was suggested by a Congressperson. I suppose if you asked for a referral it's understandable.

[belinda63 3,038]

Not sure exactly how you leaped into contacting the congressman so soon or why he would recommend a lawyer.

The process is long and hard, sit back, take a deep breath, and wait.

I only got my congressman involved after we had been on AP for one year, this was almost two years after we filed the petition. They really can't do anything but send an inquiry as to the status and maybe get a little more information and they will not do this unless you are out of the processing times.

As to the attorney, he/she is now your point of contact although everyone here is more than willing to help you, support you emotionally, and answer the questions we can.

Find a good hobby, a cheap way to cheap in touch with your loved one, and be prepared to wait.

[ForeverAmen 0]

I understand the wait can be frustrating. But as pretty much implied - from the time you've filed your papers, you will have to wait in line like everyone else.

Hang in there!

Boaz

[Cham 3]

Tnx every1 for the replies. No one including the congressman made any promises to me or my fiancee. Thankfully we have a lot of support from family and friends, and thats how we got a referral, but once again with no promises made. And just to clear things up, although we only filed out papers in June, we have been apart much longer than that. It took us a few months to decide on the k1 and decide on a good lawyer. Our whole process has been based on a lot of research, at the end of this we will both know we tried everything to be reunited as fast as possible. I appreciate all the feedback.

sweetie My fiance and I been apart 1 year and 5 months now. YES it sucks but in the end it will be sweet. Most people who get a lawyer will have the SAME waiting period as those who do it on their own. Just because he or she has a law degree does not make it go faster. There are some folks on here who used a lawyer and are waiting JUST as long as us folks who did it on our own...best bet sit and wait and visit while ya all wait for this k1 visa

[Johny E. 0]

We didn't hire a lawyer expecting that the lawyer would make anything faster for us. We simply decided to make that investment. We have never dealt with immigration papers before and we decided that investing on a professional who has done this procedure many times before was safer that saving the money and risk making mistakes that would delay the process even more. And although lawyer make mistakes also, it was certantly a safr bet.I completly understand the fustration on everyone's part regarding being away from their loved one. My fiance and I lived 30 minutes from each other for 5 years, saw each other on a daily basis, spoke several times a day, were closo to each other's family and friends. Now we are in different continents, and although we still see each other everyday now it is through a screen and it certantly does not feel the same. We knew what we were getting into when we filed for the visa, we know we got a while more of this horrible waiting, but mean while we will ask, research and do whatever it is that we can. Sitting around and waiting simply isnt an option for us. Maybe all our tries will be useless, and the question wnt lead to nothing, but we will exaust every option available to us. After all trying never hurt anyone. Thank you for all the support! And good luck to everyone.

[Fred N Emilia 0]

I have a lawyer as well and I am in the same waiting room as you fine people in this forum.