Vermont "misplaced" my case

[Exasperated 5]

So I finally got a response to my congressional inquiry. It seems the Vermont service center "misplaced" my file and is currently looking for it.....so if anyone else is waiting with a filing date similar to mine (February 4th), I just wanted to let you know. I guess it's possible they could have "misplaced" your file as well.

[Drogs 24]

I am glad you have some news, even though it is not the news you wanted to hear. I hope they find your file and approve you quickly.

[Exasperated 5]

I am glad you have some news, even though it is not the news you wanted to hear. I hope they find your file and approve you quickly.

Thank you Drogs. Yeah they said that in the worst case scenario (which seems as though it may be the only solution) I have to submit everything again.....but I think the fact that I can already file the N-400 may enable me to do both at once and get them over with already.

I had heard of cases being "misplaced" or "lost" but always thought they were silly exceptions....never really thought it would happen to me. According to some info I got, it seems a whole batch of cases may be affected, around early february / late january. Not sure if it's related to the move between offices, the flood, or anything else.

Of course, it would be nice if the USCIS could actually admit to it and tell you, instead of hiding behind "wait X days" until a politician calls them out on it.

I'm not aware of how far along my case was when it mysteriously was "misplaced". At least biometrics are clear and i think the background checks also.

[Drogs 24]

Your file has to be there somewhere surely, i guess maybe there is no system in place to tell whose desk your file went to, therefore no accountability for it being lost.

[daryl&lada 8]

That has got to be a sinking feeling. At least, you have gotten to the bottom of things. I hope all is resolved quickly for you.

[Exasperated 5]

Thanks everyone. I appreciate all the support on this forum. Yeah...sort of feels like I wasted 9 months of my life feeling like I was in limbo over an application that wasn't even being processed. In any case, if I get my N400 in at the same time, maybe I can sort of "catch up".

At least it seems it had nothing to do with my actual case, which I guess is some sort of relief. Still, it seems my nickname is still very fitting.

And at least they take accountability for it being lost instead of trying to blame me (which would be very typical). Be grateful for the small things.

Edited November 16, 2011 by Exasperated

[RebeccaAndPhil 5]

I imagine you are feeling beyond frustrated! It's a shame that we put so much trust and emphasis in USCIS because they are truly deciding the fate of our future, since this means they can also be a colossal disappointment I really hope they find your missing case soon and give you your deserved approval!

[Exasperated 5]

I imagine you are feeling beyond frustrated! It's a shame that we put so much trust and emphasis in USCIS because they are truly deciding the fate of our future, since this means they can also be a colossal disappointment I really hope they find your missing case soon and give you your deserved approval!

Thank you so much RebeccaAndPhil. It is frustrating, and I guess venting does help a bit. But the main reason I posted about this on the forum is in case it would help someone else.

I may be in the peculiar situation of submitting my N400 before my I-751 due to this whole mess. It would be interesting to see if I get two biometrics dates for two applications, a few days apart! Sadly, it seems that my biometrics for I-751 were lost too....go figure.

[angus28 7]

Thank you so much RebeccaAndPhil. It is frustrating, and I guess venting does help a bit. But the main reason I posted about this on the forum is in case it would help someone else.

I may be in the peculiar situation of submitting my N400 before my I-751 due to this whole mess. It would be interesting to see if I get two biometrics dates for two applications, a few days apart! Sadly, it seems that my biometrics for I-751 were lost too....go figure.

I am glad your congressional inquiry worked. Let me ask you a question; did your congressman office talk to the VSC Director regarding the files being lost due to moving or flood?

This is a big issue and needs more attention.

Edited November 16, 2011 by angus28

[Exasperated 5]

I am glad your congressional inquiry worked. Let me ask you a question; did your congressman office talk to the VSC Director regarding the files being lost due to moving or flood?

Not yet, since it's not 100 % this is what's happened (they are trying to present "misplaced" and "lost" as two different things). And some of what I've been told is just the best guess of the congressman's office, since they haven't gotten a straight answer yet. But a lot of indicators point to that being the case (and I've been told that in their experience, this response is typical for lost files). The biometrics also seem to be missing (didn't know the kept them all in the same file, I always assumed the biometrics would be in some computer system somewhere, so this has me confused).

But they are actually planning to talk to the director in a week or two if this isn't sorted out.

Edited November 16, 2011 by Exasperated

[Chicagoguy 2 27]

At least you got some attention. Good Congressman. Did they misplace your check as well ?

[sasaqlain 24]

At least you got some attention. Good Congressman. Did they misplace your check as well ?

The checks never get misplaced:).....Its after they have deducted their time's worth in advance they toss the files in the bin. I for one am not giving my ROC much thought unlike my AOS. Unless I get an RFE, I wouldn't care if they misplace or lose my file. The burden lies on them. I have my NOA as proof of submitting my case on time and will simply complete the requirements for the N-400 when the time comes for citizenship. I think you all should stop worrying as well. USCIS is only going to get worse with each year. Technology didn't do ####### to improve their services. Its the mindset that needs a change in that office.

[Exasperated 5]

The checks never get misplaced:).....Its after they have deducted their time's worth in advance they toss the files in the bin. I for one am not giving my ROC much thought unlike my AOS. Unless I get an RFE, I wouldn't care if they misplace or lose my file. The burden lies on them. I have my NOA as proof of submitting my case on time and will simply complete the requirements for the N-400 when the time comes for citizenship. I think you all should stop worrying as well. USCIS is only going to get worse with each year. Technology didn't do ####### to improve their services. Its the mindset that needs a change in that office.

Thanks saspk. I know you're right but it's just hard to stop thinking about the removal of conditions, and there is this doubt that if I apply for the N400 while the I-751 is not yet resolved, it will cause some snowball effect where they are dealing with two cases at once and it will all fall into some kafkaesque black hole from where there is no escape.

But no they were very quick in cashing my check, and of course as I mentioned, they still called me for biometrics, so apparently my file was still fine at that point. I guess I can always hope they "unmisplace it", but at the same time I'm going to push for a definite answer, so that they do request everything again if they really need it, rather than go on looking for 3 years.

[Barca 10]

wow, that really stinks, but at least you have some closure!!! crazy stuff....hope all works out for you and quickly!

[angus28 7]

We need to get someone's attention to this issue.

Edited November 16, 2011 by angus28