Ombudsman, Congressman, or other options?

[Nordica 0]

I seem to be the only CSC May filer still waiting. I'm passing the 7 month mark - over a month outside the posted processing times - and I am beginning to wonder what might be wrong. There has not been a touch on my case since biometrics.

I've called a few times and have gotten replies like "we're processing cases filed 2 days before yours" and "can do a service request because my computer is down" etc. while speaking to reps and officer level. They clearly don't want to do a service request. InfoPass is too far. I have emailed the service center as per instructions from the USCIS website, but haven't had a response either. So while thinking about what I can do to get this over with, I've come up with a few of questions...

I've read that you can make inquiries with the USCIS Ombudsman's office and/or the local congressman.

- Does anyone know which is more effective?

- Will an inquiry by either of those just tick officers off and put a bad light on my case?

- Are there any other things we can do to find out what's going on?

Filing for citizenship to force adjudication of the ROC is not an option (I can't do the three-year thing - I filed based on death of spouse). I was informed that under a certain memo, I'm not even considered a waiver filer like divorce cases, but that I'm merely exempt from joint filing based on my spouse's death. The memo clarified that that's not like a divorce waiver, so it shouldn't take longer to process than any other joint applications. (Yet here I am waiting seven months...) Well, in case my ROC is denied, could I file the I-360 as a widow afterwards?

[ManuFred 10]

  On 12/15/2010 at 4:36 PM, JustMeNow said:

I seem to be the only CSC May filer still waiting. I'm passing the 7 month mark - over a month outside the posted processing times - and I am beginning to wonder what might be wrong. There has not been a touch on my case since biometrics.

I've called a few times and have gotten replies like "we're processing cases filed 2 days before yours" and "can do a service request because my computer is down" etc. while speaking to reps and officer level. They clearly don't want to do a service request. InfoPass is too far. I have emailed the service center as per instructions from the USCIS website, but haven't had a response either. So while thinking about what I can do to get this over with, I've come up with a few of questions...

I've read that you can make inquiries with the USCIS Ombudsman's office and/or the local congressman.

- Does anyone know which is more effective?

- Will an inquiry by either of those just tick officers off and put a bad light on my case?

- Are there any other things we can do to find out what's going on?

Filing for citizenship to force adjudication of the ROC is not an option (I can't do the three-year thing - I filed based on death of spouse). I was informed that under a certain memo, I'm not even considered a waiver filer like divorce cases, but that I'm merely exempt from joint filing based on my spouse's death. The memo clarified that that's not like a divorce waiver, so it shouldn't take longer to process than any other joint applications. (Yet here I am waiting seven months...) Well, in case my ROC is denied, could I file the I-360 as a widow afterwards?

Well, you're not denied or out of status at this point so I wouldn't know if Ombudsman or Congressman would be very helpfull at this point. Infopass might be the best way to go even though it's far.

[Nordica 0]

  On 12/15/2010 at 4:50 PM, ManuFred said:

Well, you're not denied or out of status at this point so I wouldn't know if Ombudsman or Congressman would be very helpfull at this point. Infopass might be the best way to go even though it's far.

Actually, both offer to make written inquiries if your case is beyond posted processing times.

[v333k 59]

  On 12/15/2010 at 5:06 PM, JustMeNow said:

Actually, both offer to make written inquiries if your case is beyond posted processing times.

I would attempt the congressman path first. See what they can find out... they will take time but they might be able to get some additional information for you.

[Nordica 0]

  On 12/15/2010 at 5:13 PM, v333k said:

I would attempt the congressman path first. See what they can find out... they will take time but they might be able to get some additional information for you.

A helpful tip. Thank you for your input, v333k. Do you think it would make them look at the application in a more negative way?

Also if anyone can weigh in on the I-360 alternative I'd really appreciate it.

[v333k 59]

  On 12/16/2010 at 4:51 AM, JustMeNow said:

A helpful tip. Thank you for your input, v333k. Do you think it would make them look at the application in a more negative way?

Also if anyone can weigh in on the I-360 alternative I'd really appreciate it.

I doubt it. Many people have taken that route and several have heard something back either through the congressman's office or USCIS. It is worth a shot especially that you've been waiting this long.

[Nordica 0]

  On 12/16/2010 at 3:59 PM, v333k said:

I doubt it. Many people have taken that route and several have heard something back either through the congressman's office or USCIS. It is worth a shot especially that you've been waiting this long.

Good to know. Thank you for your help. I was able to finally do a service request yesterday based on it being outside processing times - and once I get a (probably useless) reply to that, I'll have the congressman check up on things.

Edited December 16, 2010 by JustMeNow