Should we get our congressmen involved? It's been almost 10 months....

[saddlepatch 6]

We filled for CR-1 at the end of November...it is now August.

We submitted an E-Request Form in June 15 and got a reply June 25 and they stated that our names had yet cleared from the security check.....keep in mind neither of us have criminal backgrounds, not even so much as a speeding or parking ticket. I (the beneficiary) was refused entry to the US back in 09 but only because I did not have enough proof of my ties to Canada (Aka, they thought I wouldn't come back, despite having a return ticket yadda yadda) but was able to cross 6 hours later after I got the proper proof to support I would return, but I posted a topic awhile back and people told me that would have nothing to do with the delay in the security check. (which I was told can take up to 13 months. If thats true than does that mean it can take another year and a little bit to finally be approved and be able to live with my wife? God forbid there is no RFE's or any other delays?)

So my understanding is that we haven't even been put in the queue to have our petition approved, so really, we're only in the starting stages still (After 10 months of waiting for approval)

I understand this process is suppose to take no longer than 15 months. The sad thing is, our petition is at the Nebraska Service Center.

We plan to submit another E-Request next month. If we get the same reply back, should we contact my wifes (the petitioner) congressmen and if so, what is the process for that?

I mean, is it because we're a same sex couple? I thought this was over turned back in July of 2013? Her state doesn't allow marriage yet but I don't think it has anything to do with immigration? I mean please correct me if I'm wrong. I just want to know why its taking 10+ months to clear our names?

Thanks for any and all suggestions and thoughts.

[Hypnos 6,578]

I-130s can take a year or so to be approved.

[fyzah 4]

You are not the only one. There are a few November and several December filers whose petitions have been thrown into the black hole, in order to meet their average target time of 5 months. Many of us have filed 2 or three service requests, contacted congressmen, and keep getting answers like;

Pending security checks, you should hear back in 90 days.

Case is in additional review, you'll hear within 90 days.

Background checks aren't complete and we don't know how long it will take.

It would be one thing if it were just a few of us but just a quick check with numbers of petitions that are close to ours, shows that many others are still waiting approval. We filed Dec, NOA1; Dec 3rd. I have been married to my husband for eight year s with three kids together. We were living overseas when we sent in i-130 but our residency cards expired as my husband graduated so we both had to go home. I had to go back to London with our kids,where I have nothing anymore and my husband went back to the US. The financial strain has been immense, but apparently we don't meet requirements for expedite. We have filed 2 service requests ourselves and one through a congressman, same bs answers. We requested case assistance from the ombudsman. We wrote to several figures at USCIS, still waiting.

I don't think being a same sex couple has any effect on your petition nor your entry refusal. Since I married my husband I have visited several times, never having a problem. Likewise just as you we have no criminal records. I suggest you exhaust all available tools, senator, congressman, ombudsman. In some cases it helps and in others it doesn't. You have nothing to lose, and at least you will know that you tried everything. I wish you all the best.

[mrs thb 331]

like fyzah mentioned, there are several dec filers waiting as well. I've been following several threads here since I joined. this was a recent discussion...

Have anyone ever heard that we can email the service centers directly to inquirw about our case? I was told i can email NSC @ nscfollowup.ncs@dhs.gov they have up to 21 days to respond and if they don't I can email USCIS head quarters called Scopsscota@dhs.gov and get them involved. written by cbo.

if you haven't, you might want to read this thread to get more info.

squeaky wheel get the oil.....sometimes.

good luck.

[khuang 0]

11/08/2013 file date here for I-130 at Nebraska Service Center. Also recently found out about directly contacting NSC, however they also give stock/generic answers. Only difference I can see is that they say wait 90 days instead of the usual 30 days from Service Requests.

"Based on your inquiry we researched the status of this case. USCIS is actively processing this case. However, we have to perform additional review on this case and this has caused a longer processing time. If you have not received a decision or other notice of action on this case within 90 days, please contact us for an update."

[california_luv 56]

Yes do all you can to make things move. We're a that point too. We trusted the "system", the system failed us

[PJFL2222 6]

Waiting since 11/26. Congressman checked on case same response. Security checks still pending. 2 service requests same thing. Spoke with tier 2 officer today, same answer.