NOA2 16 days!

[Penny Lane 8,159]

I remember back in July coming on this forum and ALL you got was good vibes and support.. seems a long time ago..

As time passes, people get tired of waiting and service centers slow down and the tension is felt on these forums, I think. Nothing can really be done except trying to support each other.

[JoyDee 21]

Congratulations!

Yes, your approval happened incredibly fast, but as Haitian petitions are expedited, it is not as surprising. I hope my following thought does not offend you (or any other petitioners with Haitian beneficiaries), but I think it unfair that Haitians would get their petitions expedited, yet Dominican petitions are not. I think it unfair because of mainly two reasons: since Haiti and the Dominican Republic are the same island (Hispaniola), what affects one country affects the other. For instance, the cholera has now spread to some areas of the DR. Also, the Haitian migration to the DR has put added stress on already precarious resources and economic opportunities.

My hope is that all of us going through this process find the patience (and money) to endure this process and maintain our long distance relationships.

That's like saying just because Canada, Mexico and the US are on the same continent what affects one country affects the other. We should just open the Canadian and Mexican border and forego all this immigration malarkey!

As far as the added stress due to Haitian migrants we know the DR response: SEAL THE BORDER, KEEP THEM OUT! It is the same island, but these are two vastly different countries and economies. I'm sure you also know the DR is much more highly developed than Haiti and has a stable government.

These numbers are very conservative, nonetheless;

Check some facts about Cholera:

Cholera cases in Haiti= 200,000; Cholera DEATHS in Haiti= 4000,

Cholera Cases in DR= 237; Cholera DEATHS in DR= 1

And some facts about the earthquake in Jan 2010:

Deaths in Haiti: 230,000

Deaths in DR: 0

While I certainly hope that your process is speedy, I do not hope for the DR to suffer and require Humanitarian expedition.

Edited January 28, 2011 by JoyDee

[Al422 221]

Back in July, people were not frustrated and angry like they are now.

While we all know that we should support one another, it is easier said than done when people are at their wits end trying to get a life changing event over and done with.

There is no doubt that this approval was excellent news for the OP, and I don't blame him for taking what was handed to him and running with it. I would have done the same thing, and I think that more people than are willing to admit would have done likewise.

But this is a controversial topic that directly affects the lives of people who post here, so it should not surprise anyone that this turned into a controversial thread.

[Ally & Rach 24]

As time passes, people get tired of waiting and service centers slow down and the tension is felt on these forums, I think. Nothing can really be done except trying to support each other.

oh coconuts.. I could just hug you for that comment..

[Ally & Rach 24]

Back in July, people were not frustrated and angry like they are now.

While we all know that we should support one another, it is easier said than done when people are at their wits end trying to get a life changing event over and done with.

There is no doubt that this approval was excellent news for the OP, and I don't blame him for taking what was handed to him and running with it. I would have done the same thing, and I think that more people than are willing to admit would have done likewise.

But this is a controversial topic that directly affects the lives of people who post here, so it should not surprise anyone that this turned into a controversial thread.

I think back in July people could expect a reasonable timescale.. I think now there are a few folk who come on here purely to wind up others who are clearly struggling with their situation..

I think on this particular thread theres no point saying anything negative because you are GUARANTEED someone will twist what you've said and make it sound like you are having a go at the OP when you are doing anything but.. am I right? probably not..

[Penny Lane 8,159]

Back in July, people were not frustrated and angry like they are now.

While we all know that we should support one another, it is easier said than done when people are at their wits end trying to get a life changing event over and done with.

There is no doubt that this approval was excellent news for the OP, and I don't blame him for taking what was handed to him and running with it. I would have done the same thing, and I think that more people than are willing to admit would have done likewise.

But this is a controversial topic that directly affects the lives of people who post here, so it should not surprise anyone that this turned into a controversial thread.

Luckily, it seems that both service centers are now processing petitions at a reasonable pace. So hopefully, in a few weeks, there is less tension around here as the people who are waiting 5-6-7 months get approved.

As for this thread, I understand why it's controversial but I don't think it should be. NOA2 threads are usually for congratulating, not ranting about how unfair the process is. An expedite is not something the OP asked for, it was simply handed to them. That's not their fault. That's simply how USCIS is handling things at the moment. It doesn't belong in the OP's thread, though. In my opinion, anyway, whatever that's worth.

Edited January 28, 2011 by Coconuts

[faust-yusov 103]

"people"

http://movieclips.com/skti-there-will-be-blood-movie-i-have-a-competition-in-me/

[GhLove 4]

Back in July, people were not frustrated and angry like they are now.

While we all know that we should support one another, it is easier said than done when people are at their wits end trying to get a life changing event over and done with.

There is no doubt that this approval was excellent news for the OP, and I don't blame him for taking what was handed to him and running with it. I would have done the same thing, and I think that more people than are willing to admit would have done likewise.

But this is a controversial topic that directly affects the lives of people who post here, so it should not surprise anyone that this turned into a controversial thread.

I'm with Al on this one... It only make sense that people are venting in response to this. It's like its being shoved in our faces! To be honest... YES I would have taken a military expedite in a heart beat! But I wouldnt have come here to parade my "lucky-ness" with the everyone else who has waited 5-7 months and STILL have another 6 months wait for their interview. But maybe that's just my sincere consideration for others kicking in.

[B_J 2,752]

I actually agree. I waited several hours to tell my Jan 2011 Filers group about the news, because I really do feel bad. There are many countries that are war torn, effected by natural disaster, poverty and disease. I dont know why they chose Haiti over any other country. I think the way USCIS works is terrible and petitions should be approved in order. At least everyone could trust that what they say is the truth even if it is a long wait, you know whats coming next.

I'm with Al on this one... It only make sense that people are venting in response to this. It's like its being shoved in our faces! To be honest... YES I would have taken a military expedite in a heart beat! But I wouldnt have come here to parade my "lucky-ness" with the everyone else who has waited 5-7 months and STILL have another 6 months wait for their interview. But maybe that's just my sincere consideration for others kicking in.

I don't think it's fair to have any bad feelings toward the original poster. They had no control over what happened. And as Al said, they took what was handed to them and ran with it. But the fact that the original poster feels bad for those waiting, and recognizes that the system isn't fair should be enough for everybody. It's okay to be angry at the system; but it shouldn't be personal towards the original poster.

[Ali-n-Edo 3]

I don't think it's fair to have any bad feelings toward the original poster. They had no control over what happened. And as Al said, they took what was handed to them and ran with it. But the fact that the original poster feels bad for those waiting, and recognizes that the system isn't fair should be enough for everybody. It's okay to be angry at the system; but it shouldn't be personal towards the original poster.

If my fiance was from Canada, Germany or UK, I'm sure most everyone would be a lot more positive about the situation. Everyone has animosity towards Haiti right now and it's understandable with TPS and everything, but to act like Im a terrible person to accept my approval is stupid. I started this topic to give people hope. Even if I didn't start this topic, someone would have eventually come across my timeline at some point.

[Ali-n-Edo 3]

And please, this should not be a discussion of the rivalry between Haiti and DR. Most of us are aware of the tension. Most of us are aware of the feelings Dominicans have towards Haitians. If you want to discuss that, start your own lil topic.

[B_J 2,752]

If my fiance was from Canada, Germany or UK, I'm sure most everyone would be a lot more positive about the situation. Everyone has animosity towards Haiti right now and it's understandable with TPS and everything, but to act like Im a terrible person to accept my approval is stupid. I started this topic to give people hope. Even if I didn't start this topic, someone would have eventually come across my timeline at some point.

It really isn't because of the country, it's just because that people from Haiti get pushed to the front. There are so many people who have waited longer than normal that when they see somebody get their approval super fast it makes them angry. And that's understandable. But you never asked for special treatment and you have said that you feel bad for those who are having to wait. You've done nothing wrong and you have the right to be happy and share your happiness with the rest of us. I don't really think people are angry at you; everybody is just really frustrated with this whole system.

But our time will come; we just all wish it could be as fast as yours.

Keep being happy and good luck on the rest of the journey.

[Ally & Rach 24]

http://movieclips.com/skti-there-will-be-blood-movie-i-have-a-competition-in-me/

I was waiting for a good "p***" take there but the link won't open!!

[Diana and Chris 25]

Sweet Ali. Non of this is your fault. All you did was send a package, you said you expected to have to wait 'till summer to hear anything, but you got a great news: You were approved in 16 days! You didn't look for it or ask for USCIS to take so long with other people's NOA2's.

Don't be ashamed to be happy, don't be ashamed to feel Joy!! I, as a January Filer, am so happy for you. I hope you guys have a long life together, with lots and lots of caring and tender moments.

Lot's of love for you!!

And again, don't feel bad.

*hug*

Diana!

[KiwiBird 132]

Your comment is uncalled for and insensitive. He *did* congratulate this lucky couple and then express his justified frustration honestly. And for that you publicly question his character? This type of community will best serve the members if we try to be compassionate and comfort those who are feeling frustrated, not by knocking them down at a time when we all are already vulnerable.

This is correct, IF their congrats was genuine. If someone came up to you and said, "I am soooooooooo happy for you" between clentched and gritting teeth, would you think they were being serious? Or would you read it as sarcasm. I totally read their post as sarcasm. I don't see it as a genuine post whatsoever.

If they are trying to vent frustration, then they should leave it to the many ranting posts we have around here already. Leave the OP with their good news and don't make them feel bad or at fault for it. There are places to vent frustration and irritation. At a person who did not put in an expedite request but got their NoA2 real fast.... is NOT the proper place.

To the OP, CONGRATS again!