Letter Writing Campaign - Feb. 2014

[Kaylara 814]

I would like to turn my comments found here: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/479585-ir1cr1-backlog-makes-the-ny-times/page-9 into the next letter. I figure we can add any other information that we believe will prove our case. I think the most relevant information is compiled there. I seriously think that we need to refrain from blaming the DACA filers, and instead focus the attention on the inconsistencies between what the USCIS is saying publicly vs. their data. What do you guys think?

[Salo&Romashka 83]

The time for letters has passed because we now have a contact claiming knowledge about the backlog. I believe we all have the right to speak directly to the USCIS spokesperson named in the New York Times article, Christopher S Bentley.

Christopher Bentley

Press Secretary at DHS/USCIS

Washington, District Of Columbia (Washington D.C. Metro Area)

Public Relations and Communications

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/christopher-bentley/7/568/636

Headquarters Press Office: (202) 272-1200

We should go to the source since no one at the lower levels of USCIS, from tier 1 contractors to service centers ISOs, is on the same page. Our fees pay for his salary and so do our taxes so I say it's time we put him to work answering our questions. Call Washington, D.C. and keep calling until you hear from them. If you were named in the article, you have even more reason to contact them because they can't ignore you at this point.

Edited February 12, 2014 by Salo&Romashka

[Kaylara 814]

The time for letters has passed because we now have a contact claiming knowledge about the backlog. I believe we all have the right to speak directly to the USCIS spokesperson named in the New York Times article, Christopher S Bentley.

Christopher Bentley

Press Secretary at DHS/USCIS

Washington, District Of Columbia (Washington D.C. Metro Area)

Public Relations and Communications

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/christopher-bentley/7/568/636

Headquarters Press Office: (202) 272-1200

We should go to the source since no one at the lower levels of USCIS, from tier 1 contractors to service centers ISOs, is on the same page. Our fees pay for his salary and so do our taxes so I say it's time we put him to work answering our questions. Call Washington, D.C. and keep calling until you hear from them. If you were named in the article, you have even more reason to contact them because they can't ignore you at this point.

I was going to address it to him as well, and thought that sending it to our representatives and the upper management at the USCIS would be a good move at this point. I may need help writing it in a way that doesn't make me look like a raving lunatic, though.

[semidevil 12]

how about also including a portion of the monthly spreadsheet in the letter to show that progress is being and being tracked?

[bdrew612 1,071]

I would like to turn my comments found here: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/479585-ir1cr1-backlog-makes-the-ny-times/page-9 into the next letter. I figure we can add any other information that we believe will prove our case. I think the most relevant information is compiled there. I seriously think that we need to refrain from blaming the DACA filers, and instead focus the attention on the inconsistencies between what the USCIS is saying publicly vs. their data. What do you guys think?

I thought your attempted response to the Christian Post was great! It was articulate, accurate and you cited your sources of information. I think it's important to include the screen shots, the letters and responses. If attaching the actual documents makes it appear too lengthy, then adding footnotes with the links to verify our claim will be found.

I agree, the focus should be kept on USCIS doing a poor job. Sticking with the facts and leaving out the politics gives a well reasoned argument. If we throw in politics, that gives USCIS and other critics the perfect opportunity to ignore us and state that we're raving lunatics

[bdrew612 1,071]

Kaylara, is there an anticipated send date for this letter? USCIS is due to release their new numbers on the 20th, so is that a factor with our timing?

If we wait until after the numbers are released, then we can see what they're claiming to have adjudicated as of December 31, 2013. Depending on that date, it might be helpful if there were some volunteers who have been approved after that 'processing time' date who would be willing to step forward and show that they're not giving accurate numbers. We would clearly need more that one person to volunteer, and someone whose beneficiary is not in the Phillippines, did not do DCF (I think they operate on different processing times, unless I'm mistaken) and did not file for an expedited I-130.

Thoughts?

Edited February 13, 2014 by bdrew612

[Collie 122]

I too think we should wait until the new USCIS numbers are published and stick to the facts. We need hard evidence and as much as I would like to lay blame on DACA and throw around accusations, at the end of the day we don't have a leg to stand on unless we have truthful facts. I will sure participate in the letter writing campaign again.

[Collie 122]

Also, I was one of the folks approved after 12/31/13 so I can certainly step forward and show that processing times are BS. I'm petitioning for my parents and they did not expedite and are not Filipino.