Read about how processing works.

[newhampshire 0]

I read about how processing works, about the "batches" of 25 or so application packets in "baskets", etc. I read about the process of security checks and running applicant names through various databases.

None of this explains how applications that have been at one service center for four months are suddenly transferred to another service center, while applications received days to even months after that same application have already been processed.

Even with the batch issue, if no RFE was required, the disparity in dates should not be so long.

Also, would a service center transfer a case that's already being actively worked on? I doubt it. This means that applications transferred to another service center due to "backlog" were not worked on at the previous service center at all, save for the NOA1 being issued.

I've worked for for profits, non profits, cities, county and state government, and the federal government, and I can tell you that the image of a few government employees sitting around not doing their jobs (while workers around them actually work) is NOT a figment of anyone's imagination. I don't know why people are so protective of the USCIS. Their own ombudsman says the same things about them that I'm saying and have said.

[Laura_and_IanM 0]

Newhampshire,

I can certainly understand your comments. For us, our I-130 was filed in May, and has just been transferred on the 18th from Vermont to California. This notice was sent to me on the 18th, then I noticed on the 19th that our case was "touched" again. I am not sure what it means, nor will I sit here and try to ponder over it. As far as anyone sticking up for USCIS, I don't think it's a matter of protecting them and or their services, but rather trying to have some sort of faith in the system and keeping hope alive. It is very hard for the majority of the couples who cannot be together during this long and tedious process. Ian and I have been fortunate enough where we can be together but I can certainly relate to what it is like being apart. Please don't take this the wrong way, but take it as constructive critism if you will, your post is not very helpful in keeping the spirits up. Although, I can certainly understand where you are coming from. Please don't think that there isn't anyone on VJ who doesn't think of any of what you have said, and with that in mind, please don't think that anyone turns a blind eye either. I think it comes down to surving this ordeal and doing what you have to do to keep yourself from falling into a state of depression which I believe can happen.

LJ

[aussiewench 9]

newhampshire

I know this whole process and being separated are very stressful. You are very new to VJ and may not be aware of the fact that prior to this IMBRA debarcle, VSC where your case was transferred from, has a very good if not excellent track record in getting through petitions at a very fast rate. This is a result of good management and dedicated staff there, in getting the job done. Unfortunately the same cant be said of the other service centers in many cases. Each center whilst a part of the USCIS also have their own procedures and their own interpretations on memos from above. The biggest mistake I can see is the restructuring of the service centers as to which petitions they will be handling, couldnt of come at a worse time then in conjunction with the IMBRA. No-one to my knowledge as you say is "so protective of the USCIS" If providing information to help ease the stress and giving links to any factual information is according to you being protective of USCIS then I guess I am one of the guilty parties. Sure beats stressing and getting high blood pressure about what CAN'T be controlled and gives at least some insight into what happens.

Lorelle

[newhampshire 0]

What everyone here is looking for is support and validation. Some people cope with delays with hope, others with cynicism. Some people start out hopeful and end up cynical (I'm one of them!).

What I see is people having legitimate concerns and complaints, and either being told to be patient and keep waiting, or being given justifications/excuses for the poor and slow service provided by the USCIS. Both of those are legitimate responses, but not terribly supportive.

At the end of this month, I'll be at the five month mark already waiting just for my NOA1 - that does not include the 6-8 months on the other end of the NOA2, leaving me at over a year for an actual visa.

My case wasn't delayed because of any error on my part or any name match or anything - it simply was not worked on while at the Vermont Service Center. They admitted that to my congressman.

Then, after sitting for 4 1/2 months with nothing done to it, it was transferred to the California Service Center and it looks like I'm in for a long wait still, just for my NOA2.

Now I know I'm not the first person or the last person who has waited 4 3/4 months for their NOA2 (I haven't gotten it yet, that's just how long I've waited so far since my NOA1) - or who may not get an NOA2 until the six month mark (that's 180 days) or even later - but that doesn't make it okay for the USCIS to provide such poor customer service. The waits are too long, there is no way to get valid/legitimate information, calling the toll-free number is a nightmare that eats up cell minutes, customers are treated poorly, given incorrect information (if given information at all) ....

None of the reasons given by anyone here make it okay for a branch of our government to give such poor and slow customer service, particularly when we're paying for that service above and beyond the taxes we already pay, when corporations (as usual) get a "free ride" via premium processing, or when congress and other groups have been pushing for improvements for well over a decade now.

So I guess what I want to hear when I'm upset over this wait (separated from my husband, often bedridden with multiple sclerosis, in pain, tired beyond belief) and frustrated is - "Yeah, it's crummy, isn't it? The USCIS is indeed slow and inefficient." NOT - "Oh, you gotta give the USCIS credit ..." or "Oh, your application is delayed because you or your name..."

That's my kind of validation.

Edited July 20, 2006 by newhampshire

[girl 37 7]

If you don't like the responses you're getting on VJ, I'm sure there are other fora out there.

Personally, I don't like reading posts from constant complainers (or being around those types of people in "real life"). I'd rather surround myself with people who take positive action when they see a problem. In this case it might be organizing a letter-writing campaign or supporting others who are going through the process. Don't just sit around and complain if you don't like the process, do something.

[newhampshire 0]

If you don't like the responses you're getting on VJ, I'm sure there are other fora out there.

Personally, I don't like reading posts from constant complainers (or being around those types of people in "real life"). I'd rather surround myself with people who take positive action when they see a problem. In this case it might be organizing a letter-writing campaign or supporting others who are going through the process. Don't just sit around and complain if you don't like the process, do something.

That is EXACTLY my point. Don't just sit there, do something. I wrote to my federal representatives, state representatives, and to the white house. I sent letters to the editor to major newspapers in my area including the New York Times and Boston Globe. I shared my perspective with a city reporter writing an article about immigration.

I don't mind responses - I just don't want things "sugar coated" on my behalf and I don't want to be told to just relax and live with the poor service and delays - I need to do something, and I'm doing everything I can.

Supporting eachother means being there for the good and bad, not just the "whoopee yahoo" when someone is approved, but validating the facts when someone is screwed over or waiting longer than anyone ought.

P.S. Also, I noticed that you had very little of a wait - that I've already waited almost twice as long as you for my NOA2 - and it is easiar to put on those rose colored glasses when the crappy stuff is happening to someone else and not you.

Edited July 20, 2006 by newhampshire

[hampster 0]

Hi All,

It Took me nearly 44 years to find the Woman I love (NorthernGirl),

And we got Married on 13th May 2006 this year.

And my Beautiful, Loving & Caring,Wife,

Flew back to Massachusetts on the 16th of May!

I live in Adelaide South Australia.

Everyone going through their own Visa Journey,

Went into it with Some knowledge of how long it would take to do certain visa's.

We are doing CR1 visa.

We both know it will be a long and Arduous time apart.

I have learnt alot from my wife including Patience.

Everyones Journey is different i agree,

But knowing the person you love,

Loves you as much and as uncondtionally as you love them,

then they both can support each other through the long wait for the visa.

We Survive on daily webcam / microphone chats,

and the phonecalls (using cheap phonecards).

We send each other lots of emails,

we send each other "love / care parcels, letters, postcards to each other.

Having a good support system either through friends and or family helps too.

Try to keep positive everyone..

I know the distance is hard,

But look on the bright side,

The rest of your lifes you spend in the arms of your loved ones,

Compared with the delay to be with them with the Visa Journey,

Small sacrifice to pay don't you think?

Hoping everyone gets to be with their loved on soon.

Cheers

Paul

Patience:

Synonyms:

patience, long-suffering, resignation, forbearance

These nouns denote the capacity to endure hardship, difficulty, or inconvenience without complaint.

Patience

emphasizes calmness, self-control, and the willingness or ability to tolerate delay: Our patience will achieve more than our force (Edmund Burke).

Long-suffering

is long and patient endurance, as of wrong or provocation: The general, a man not known for docility and long-suffering, flew into a rage.

Resignation

implies acceptance of or submission to something trying, as out of despair or necessity: I undertook the job with an air of resignation.

Forbearance

denotes restraint, as in retaliating, demanding what is due, or voicing disapproval: “It is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian forbearance, love, and charity towards each other” (Patrick Henry).

It is easier to meditate than to actually do something for others. I feel that merely to meditate on compassion is to take the passive option. Our meditation should form the basis for action, for seizing the opportunity to do something.

-His Holiness the Dalai Lama

[Laura_and_IanM 0]

If you don't like the responses you're getting on VJ, I'm sure there are other fora out there.

Personally, I don't like reading posts from constant complainers (or being around those types of people in "real life"). I'd rather surround myself with people who take positive action when they see a problem. In this case it might be organizing a letter-writing campaign or supporting others who are going through the process. Don't just sit around and complain if you don't like the process, do something.

That is EXACTLY my point. Don't just sit there, do something. I wrote to my federal representatives, state representatives, and to the white house. I sent letters to the editor to major newspapers in my area including the New York Times and Boston Globe. I shared my perspective with a city reporter writing an article about immigration.

I don't mind responses - I just don't want things "sugar coated" on my behalf and I don't want to be told to just relax and live with the poor service and delays - I need to do something, and I'm doing everything I can.

Supporting eachother means being there for the good and bad, not just the "whoopee yahoo" when someone is approved, but validating the facts when someone is screwed over or waiting longer than anyone ought.

P.S. Also, I noticed that you had very little of a wait - that I've already waited almost twice as long as you for my NOA2 - and it is easiar to put on those rose colored glasses when the crappy stuff is happening to someone else and not you.

Hey now, that was uncalled for ...your little PS comment there!! How do you know what she has gone through? So what if hers has gone through already. You should be happy for her, not slight her for it. And who says she is looking through rose coloured glasses?? Never make statements like that unless you have walked a mile in somone elses shoes. I have very personal reasons why I should be allowed to have my case expideted but guess what?? IT AINT HAPPENING...so, I charge forward and take it one day at a time. I think you need to simmer down there. If you want support here, then by all means stay, but if you want to carry on like you are in this thread, I am sure you will find that not many ppl are going to want to even open your threads let alone answer them!!! I am sure you will find lots of ppl on here like I have that don't sugar coat things and will tell you like it is. I am sure they will be along soon enough as soon as they see this. Perhaps they won't...consider yourself lucky if they don't..

LJ

[MrsWhizz 0]

People feel how they feel and during stressful times like this, emotions run high. I always think it's best for people to say what they feel rather than bottle it up and run to the doctor's for some sort of mood fixer. It's human to get down. It's human to be angry. Perhaps, if they don't like your posts New Hampshire, they shouldn't read them! It's rather self-righteous to attack someone who is feeling down because you have better coping mechanisms.

[newhampshire 0]

Hey, wait a second.

I was attacked and called a "complainer" by the poster - read her post - she alleges that all I do is complain and don't do anything about it! If she read my posts she'd see I was doing everything within my power to do something about the things I am unhappy with. I was airing legitimate complaints about the USCIS and she comes along and says this:

Quote from Girl 37:

If you don't like the responses you're getting on VJ, I'm sure there are other fora out there.

Personally, I don't like reading posts from constant complainers (or being around those types of people in "real life"). I'd rather surround myself with people who take positive action when they see a problem. In this case it might be organizing a letter-writing campaign or supporting others who are going through the process. Don't just sit around and complain if you don't like the process, do something.

I'm the one who was feeling down, not her. I was discouraged by the long wait and inefficiency and non-existent customer service and inaccurate information and the fact that applications at both the VSC and the CSC that came in well after mine are already being approved.

She comes along and acts like I'm some whiner - when anyone who knows me knows I am the most politically active person they know - I spent two years successfully lobbying to get a law changed in another state - one that didn't even affect me directly, but because it upset me so much that the law was hurting other families.

I believe it is a true observation that posters whose cases are moving along reasonably or who already have their visas are much more likely to recommend "waiting it out" rather than suggesting action.

My whole point was that it seemed like people were simply "excusing" the USCIS rather than demanding the service they deserve from their government. And then, once they had their visas, and the sense of urgency was gone, any inclination to continue to be politically active seemed to fall by the wayside.

True, I don't know her. And I know the wait is hell for all of us, no matter how short or long.

But she doesn't know me. She's jumping to conclusions and making judgements, but she doesn't know what I am going through. She doesn't know that I had to relocate due to domestic violence and cannot even talk to my family and friends - thus am totally isolated - or that I was recently diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and am having to give up my career and am often so sick I can't do anything - that I have a wonderful husband only 8 hours away who wants nothing more to help me but can't because he can't get into the U.S. She doesn't know that my medications are $20,000 per year and the insurance is denying coverage and here we have to support two households because he can't get here - that my doctor, my senator, and my congressman all wrote letters to USCIS. That I have been waiting almost 5 months just for an NOA2 for an I-130 - when the entire process from sending the I-130 to being on the edge of getting an actual visa has only taken eight months for her.

But she says all these rather cruel things to me and nobody says a word - but when I say that it's easy to be "patient" when you didn't have the same wait (and it's clear from the timeline she didn't) and easy to be optimistic when you already have your visa in hand... I get attacked? I give up. Let me know if there's a politically active visa forum, please.

I apologize if I came across offensively. I was feeling defensive after her post to me (see quote in red above). This is not an excuse, merely an explanation.

I'm not just complaining, I'm doing what I can about the USCIS poor and inefficient performance, and will continue to do so even after we get a visa, so that if enough people speak out and speak up those who come after us won't have to go through the same stuff.

Edited July 20, 2006 by newhampshire

[newhampshire 0]

Hey, wait a second.

I was attacked and called a "complainer" by the poster - read her post - she alleges that all I do is complain and don't do anything about it! If she read my posts she'd see I was doing everything within my power to do something about the things I am unhappy with. I was airing legitimate complaints about the USCIS and she comes along and says this:

Quote from Girl 37:

If you don't like the responses you're getting on VJ, I'm sure there are other fora out there.

Personally, I don't like reading posts from constant complainers (or being around those types of people in "real life"). I'd rather surround myself with people who take positive action when they see a problem. In this case it might be organizing a letter-writing campaign or supporting others who are going through the process. Don't just sit around and complain if you don't like the process, do something.

I'm the one who was feeling down, not her. I was discouraged by the long wait and inefficiency and non-existent customer service and inaccurate information and the fact that applications at both the VSC and the CSC that came in well after mine are already being approved.

She comes along and acts like I'm some whiner - when anyone who knows me knows I am the most politically active person they know - I spent two years successfully lobbying to get a law changed in another state - one that didn't even affect me directly, but because it upset me so much that the law was hurting other families.

I believe it is a true observation that posters whose cases are moving along reasonably or who already have their visas are much more likely to recommend "waiting it out" rather than suggesting action.

My whole point was that it seemed like people were simply "excusing" the USCIS rather than demanding the service they deserve from their government. And then, once they had their visas, and the sense of urgency was gone, any inclination to continue to be politically active seemed to fall by the wayside.

True, I don't know her. And I know the wait is hell for all of us, no matter how short or long.

But she doesn't know me. She's jumping to conclusions and making judgements, but she doesn't know what I am going through. She doesn't know that I had to relocate due to domestic violence and cannot even talk to my family and friends - thus am totally isolated - or that I was recently diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and am having to give up my career and am often so sick I can't do anything - that I have a wonderful husband only 8 hours away who wants nothing more to help me but can't because he can't get into the U.S. She doesn't know that my medications are $20,000 per year and the insurance is denying coverage and here we have to support two households because he can't get here - that my doctor, my senator, and my congressman all wrote letters to USCIS. That I have been waiting almost 5 months just for an NOA2 for an I-130 - when the entire process from sending the I-130 to being on the edge of getting an actual visa has only taken eight months for her.

But she says all these rather cruel things to me and nobody says a word - but when I say that it's easy to be "patient" when you didn't have the same wait (and it's clear from the timeline she didn't) and easy to be optimistic when you already have your visa in hand... I get attacked? I give up. Let me know if there's a politically active visa forum, please.

I apologize if I came across offensively. I was feeling defensive after her post to me (see quote in red above). This is not an excuse, merely an explanation.

I'm not just complaining, I'm doing what I can about the USCIS poor and inefficient performance, and will continue to do so even after we get a visa, so that if enough people speak out and speak up those who come after us won't have to go through the same stuff.

Sorry for the rant and for being so sensitive. I am so stressed out. I miss my husband so much (I know you all miss our spouses/fiances just as much), and to top it all off I really need him here to help take care of me, and to cut down on the cost of supporting two households. I'm sick, can't sleep, can't afford my medications - the insurance company is driving me up the wall - and the USCIS is the last straw right now! I just want to hear someone else say, "Yeah the USCIS is screwy and I'm pissed off too!"

[girl 37 7]

Sorry you felt like I was attacking you. That wasn't my intent at all. You were wondering why people weren't giving you the responses you wanted, and I explained how I feel when I see several negative-toned posts.

(Good for you for being politically proactive. I admire people who are. )

Just to clarify, I'm definitely not wearing "rose coloured glasses". I think the process is inefficient and unfair too. I have great sympathy for people like you who have to deal with serious illnesses on top of the immigration mess. It breaks my heart to read about couples from Morocco, Pakistan, Egypt, etc. who get put on endless AR. It makes me sad to read about people from places like Vietnam or countries in South America who get refused at their interview and have to start the process all over again. It also makes me depressed to know many kids are growing up with only one parent around. I realize I'm lucky because I'm from a low-risk country like Canada and will probably get through faster than many others. I doesn't mean I'm not aware of what others are going through, or can't have sympathy for them.

Anyway, good luck with your journey. I hope one of your petitions get approved soon!

[Isabel 0]

What everyone here is looking for is support and validation. Some people cope with delays with hope, others with cynicism. Some people start out hopeful and end up cynical (I'm one of them!).

What I see is people having legitimate concerns and complaints, and either being told to be patient and keep waiting, or being given justifications/excuses for the poor and slow service provided by the USCIS. Both of those are legitimate responses, but not terribly supportive.

At the end of this month, I'll be at the five month mark already waiting just for my NOA1 - that does not include the 6-8 months on the other end of the NOA2, leaving me at over a year for an actual visa.

My case wasn't delayed because of any error on my part or any name match or anything - it simply was not worked on while at the Vermont Service Center. They admitted that to my congressman.

Then, after sitting for 4 1/2 months with nothing done to it, it was transferred to the California Service Center and it looks like I'm in for a long wait still, just for my NOA2.

Now I know I'm not the first person or the last person who has waited 4 3/4 months for their NOA2 (I haven't gotten it yet, that's just how long I've waited so far since my NOA1) - or who may not get an NOA2 until the six month mark (that's 180 days) or even later - but that doesn't make it okay for the USCIS to provide such poor customer service. The waits are too long, there is no way to get valid/legitimate information, calling the toll-free number is a nightmare that eats up cell minutes, customers are treated poorly, given incorrect information (if given information at all) ....

None of the reasons given by anyone here make it okay for a branch of our government to give such poor and slow customer service, particularly when we're paying for that service above and beyond the taxes we already pay, when corporations (as usual) get a "free ride" via premium processing, or when congress and other groups have been pushing for improvements for well over a decade now.

So I guess what I want to hear when I'm upset over this wait (separated from my husband, often bedridden with multiple sclerosis, in pain, tired beyond belief) and frustrated is - "Yeah, it's crummy, isn't it? The USCIS is indeed slow and inefficient." NOT - "Oh, you gotta give the USCIS credit ..." or "Oh, your application is delayed because you or your name..."

That's my kind of validation.

Hi newhampshire,

even if you throw rocks at me for my respond, Im gonna tell you what I think anyway. In almost every posting you make, you mention that you have MS. You know, you dont make it better by feeling sorry for yourself. That is a fact. As I also told you before I also have to cope with some kinda that disease. As you know the time is precious and as I told you before...try to relax. That you feel so tired and so crappy wont change at all if you stress yourself over that process so badly! I mean there are so many peeps out there who have to cope with some sort of problem. In my opinion you are a little self centered. I understand that it is hard to deal with the new discovered disease and I understand what it is like to be seperated from the loved one. But still....you gotta deal with that. Stop driving yourself insane over something you wont change anyway. You did so many things already. If you feel you have to, go on calling USCIS, send them emails and ask what they can do for you to expedite your process. Oftentimes they can do something.

I dont wanna insult you or anything but I cant stand the fact that "sick" peeps (me included before I woke up) always feel so sorry for themselves.

Keep your chin up and take care of yourself a little bit.

Good Luck

Isabel

[Isabel 0]

But she doesn't know me. She's jumping to conclusions and making judgements, but she doesn't know what I am going through. She doesn't know that I had to relocate due to domestic violence and cannot even talk to my family and friends - thus am totally isolated - or that I was recently diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and am having to give up my career and am often so sick I can't do anything - that I have a wonderful husband only 8 hours away who wants nothing more to help me but can't because he can't get into the U.S. She doesn't know that my medications are $20,000 per year and the insurance is denying coverage and here we have to support two households because he can't get here - that my doctor, my senator, and my congressman all wrote letters to USCIS. That I have been waiting almost 5 months just for an NOA2 for an I-130 - when the entire process from sending the I-130 to being on the edge of getting an actual visa has only taken eight months for her.

But she says all these rather cruel things to me and nobody says a word - but when I say that it's easy to be "patient" when you didn't have the same wait (and it's clear from the timeline she didn't) and easy to be optimistic when you already have your visa in hand... I get attacked? I give up. Let me know if there's a politically active visa forum, please.

Ok.....STOP feeling sorry for yourself....again. I have realized that MANY people go through domestic violence, being diagnozed with a "hard" disease, have to give up their jobs for that....etc etc

But you know what? They dont go in a forum and tell everybody about it? You know they also spent thousands of dollars on medication. So dont think you are the only one. And it is quite normal to get very frustrated and offensive over that. But remember...ALL people go through hard times. And you know what? They dont even have a inssurance which covers anything as well. And ALL of us have to cope with the waitings and each member with his own special circumstances. Dont even believe you have the hardest time. Believe me other people face even worse scenarios. And I am sorry. Sure you feel down...I also feel discouraged every once in a while....but you know when there is nothing you can do...go back to a little patience. Everything will be fine eventually. Diseases suck but you gotta deal with them. It is just a fact.

Keep going:thumbs:

Isabel

[Looking4Wife 0]

People feel how they feel and during stressful times like this, emotions run high. I always think it's best for people to say what they feel rather than bottle it up and run to the doctor's for some sort of mood fixer. It's human to get down. It's human to be angry. Perhaps, if they don't like your posts New Hampshire, they shouldn't read them! It's rather self-righteous to attack someone who is feeling down because you have better coping mechanisms.

Amen... well said...

I just want to hear someone else say, "Yeah the USCIS is screwy and I'm (extremely upset and discouraged) too!"

I feel your pain... I've posted similar things because I miss my wife like crazy... also kudos on your political activism!