Hiring a Lawyer

[Cathi 5,742]

As far as I understand, a Writ of Mandamus forces them to make a decision within a certain timeframe

If they're not able to complete the background checks on the petitioner and whatnot in that timeframe (this is assuming they have not touched your file at all), they obviously have no choice but to deny the petition.

This is sometimes what happens with people stuck in AP who manage to force such a writ. The consulate is not able to complete the AP due the absurd amount of time they need on it and thus denies the visa. I can see it happening with an I-130 too.

I'm really sorry they've kept you waiting so long. It seems like there is literally nothing you can do. I hope audits are carried out on them that highlight cases like yours who end up forgotten. We have audits at my workplace and they scare us into doing things properly!

This is why I said it's too early in the process. A writ of mandamus should only be considered much further along in the process. Forcing them to make a decision at this point will just lead to a denial.

[JLSBMF 16]

Im so sorry you are going thru this - Im praying for you.

[corvusheart 163]

I always highly advise going with a lawyer. Never go into something like this without one unless you know the process real well. Gambling your future with your fiance is not something you want to toy with. Lawyers save stress and hassle and know how to handle each situation. Seriously the money is worth it. Find one with a flat-fee. I am petioning for my alien fiance right now as well and I have a lawyer on side and it really does help.

So I contacted the USCIS they sent out a "Service Request" no more than 48hrs later I got a letter from the Newark local office reiterating that the case is still pending consideration and they regret they are unable to give me a timeframe. Although they stated that they are processing February cases at this point at USCIS, I find its a big load of horse manure that they for one second moved their slothy behinds to even look for the case to begin with. I am FED UP and I don't care who I have to hire, thankfully I have a Legal Plan with my company, I am turning to an immigration lawyer this is unacceptable and I am at my wits end!!!!

[David & Diana R 1,005]

I have done this. Twice. All the Senator did was file an inquiry. Which is obviously not thoroughly taken into consideration because I received the same letter from Newark stating there is no information available at this time. I have called the Senators office three times today, I get tranferred and the call drops. Newark New Jersey, for lack of better more politically correct verbiage, is a hellhole. Thank you dear.

Senators/congressmen won't do ####### in most instances based on a phone call. You must put this in writing. Then they are held to a higher standard...there is evidence that they were contacted by you. I would sent it via USPS Return Receipt mail. This way they can't say they never received it.

Good Luck

[Ryan H 3,812]

Moved from Process & Procedures to Progress Reports.

[Kaylara 814]

Senators/congressmen won't do ####### in most instances based on a phone call. You must put this in writing. Then they are held to a higher standard...there is evidence that they were contacted by you. I would sent it via USPS Return Receipt mail. This way they can't say they never received it.

Good Luck

In my state, they don't do it based on something being in writing either. Did that. Still have gotten 0 help from them.

[pnjandmtc1209 9]

So I contacted the USCIS they sent out a "Service Request" no more than 48hrs later I got a letter from the Newark local office reiterating that the case is still pending consideration and they regret they are unable to give me a timeframe. Although they stated that they are processing February cases at this point at USCIS, I find its a big load of horse manure that they for one second moved their slothy behinds to even look for the case to begin with. I am FED UP and I don't care who I have to hire, thankfully I have a Legal Plan with my company, I am turning to an immigration lawyer this is unacceptable and I am at my wits end!!!!

To be honest with you I have had a lawyer through my and my wife's 1-130 process and you will

be wasting your money to get a layer at this point because you have already filed. When you start

the process with a lawyer they send you out an instruction sheet of all the info you need to gather

for the I-130 process and also they send out worksheets for you to put your info on for the I-130

and G-325 A. Once you gather the info for the lawyer and fill out the worksheets he then takes the

info you provide and fills out the documents for you.

I would suggest writing your congressman and senator let them find out where your file is located

then after you know where it is make an info pass if your file is in driving distance of where you live.

I am a Jan 22nd filer 2013 and we were just approved Nov.4th and to even get approved when we

did I had to make 2 info passes and go to Atlanta. An immigration lawyer can help you with all your

paperwork if you had no idea what to do like myself. But that's about all they can do.

Our approval notice NOA2 came 9.5 months after our NOA1.

Best of Luck

[Avery Cates 1,141]

A lawyer won't be able to do much if anything for you. All they can do at this point is make the inquiries for you, and then tell you what they've been told, but it won't be anything different than what you'd find out on your own from phone calls.

If you're paying for the service through your work through a payroll deduction or something already though, then hey, why not.

[Jon and Krissy 452]

As a J.D., I can tell you that hiring an attorney will do jack to speed up your approval. But hey, if you want to pay for their next vacation to the Bahamas, by all means don't let the facts stop you....

[yukon_max 1]

We hired a lawyer from the start, just for our own comfort. Being such a long and sensitive process we did not want to take any risk. IMO if you can afford it, the security of knowing everything will be done right the first time is well worth it. Plus there has been some unique questions that our lawyer has been very helpful with.

[Cathi 5,742]

We hired a lawyer from the start, just for our own comfort. Being such a long and sensitive process we did not want to take any risk. IMO if you can afford it, the security of knowing everything will be done right the first time is well worth it. Plus there has been some unique questions that our lawyer has been very helpful with.

They have already filed, nothing for a lawyer to do

[Cathi 5,742]

Your mocking is uncalled for. If youve got nothing constructive to say, go find a better use for your time.

I agree, there is no need for such childless. Waiting is never easy, especially when you aren't getting any answers. But I honestly think hiring a lawyer won't get you anywhere. Did you try contacting an obudsman at the USCIS to have them look into your case? That would be a good next step.

[lluvialluvita 2]

if you find a good, trust worthy legal professional who doesnt just want your money, please send me their contact info.........would be very helpful, and id truly appreciate it!

[amysummer13 7]

I have nothing to lose by trying and consulting with a lawyer at this point after hitting a brick wall. My husband, who I actually love is worth more than monetary expenses. Sure, perhaps I should keep my rants to myself and when there is some light shed on the situation I can recommend doing what I have done and ENCOURAGE others to do the same instead of being sarcastic and discouraging. Thanks anyway.

Relax, your case will be treated. Don't waste your hard earned $$ on those attorneys, they cannot influence the process. Like someone said, denial is more of a legal issue than no response. It'll be nice to be debt free than be in debt before your hubby gets here.

[Jon and Krissy 452]

if you find a good, trust worthy legal professional who doesnt just want your money, please send me their contact info.........would be very helpful, and id truly appreciate it!

Unless you're talking about the EFF or ACLU, which are very specifically targeted organizations, I've got news for you: ALL members of the legal profession want your money. It's what they do for a living. What, you think they are going to work for free? Do you work for free?