USCIS - New Orleans

[DV21M 0]

Hello, 

how is everyone doing? 
I am an AOS applicant under the DV program, 2021 selectee so 28 days away from my deadline. 
My interview was scheduled for last Monday in New Orleans and was cancelled due to the hurricane. USCIS New Orleans remains closed. 
I am initiating congressman and senator inquiries as well as ombudsman. 
Does anyone here have any other ideas on what to do? Any previous similar situations? Any words of advice or encouragement?

I feel really defeated right now, so I am looking EVERYWHERE I can for help. 
 

Thank you everyone 

[TBoneTX 45,787]

Welcome to the forum.

 

The Congressman's office might be the avenue for quickest help, and you've pursued this.

The hurricane was a disaster, and everybody is scrambling.

If your physical file is in the N.O. office, it will have to be retrieved for interview there or elsewhere.

You'll be taken care of -- never fear.

[DV21M 0]

6 minutes ago, TBoneTX said:

Welcome to the forum.

 

The Congressman's office might be the avenue for quickest help, and you've pursued this.

The hurricane was a disaster, and everybody is scrambling.

If your physical file is in the N.O. office, it will have to be retrieved for interview there or elsewhere.

You'll be taken care of -- never fear.

Thank you for your answer! 
the problem is that unless that happens before September 30th (office opening, interview and decision); the chance will be gone for good… I’m really scared 

[TBoneTX 45,787]

Everyone affected by the office's storm-related closure will be taken care of, without penalty.  Have faith.

[DV21M 0]

4 hours ago, TBoneTX said:

Everyone affected by the office's storm-related closure will be taken care of, without penalty.  Have faith.

Are you sure? Even after the deadline? Because the program guidelines are very strict on that 

[TBoneTX 45,787]

Many USCIS offices from New Orleans throughout the entire Northeast are surely closed or have been delayed in keeping appointment schedules that were disrupted by the hurricane.  This is not the same as when an applicant negligently misses an appointment.  Arrangements will be made.  Impress upon your Congressman's immigration liaison the importance of the deadline, and if possible get assurance in writing that you'll be rescheduled without penalty (if for no other reason than your own peace of mind).

[DV21M 0]

1 hour ago, TBoneTX said:

Many USCIS offices from New Orleans throughout the entire Northeast are surely closed or have been delayed in keeping appointment schedules that were disrupted by the hurricane.  This is not the same as when an applicant negligently misses an appointment.  Arrangements will be made.  Impress upon your Congressman's immigration liaison the importance of the deadline, and if possible get assurance in writing that you'll be rescheduled without penalty (if for no other reason than your own peace of mind).

So I got an answer from my congressman. USCIS told him the same thing, that I will be rescheduled once the offices open. However, USCIS keeps ignoring the fact that the program has a deadline to meet 

[TBoneTX 45,787]

9 hours ago, DV21M said:

I will be rescheduled once the offices open.

Concentrate on this good news.

9 hours ago, DV21M said:

USCIS keeps ignoring

Avoid assumptions.

[DV21M 0]

On 9/3/2021 at 1:29 AM, TBoneTX said:

Concentrate on this good news.

Avoid assumptions.

They denied my expedited request and they do not know when they will open. That’s why I assumed so. 
They cannot approve my case after September 30th so that’s why I’m so worried

[TBoneTX 45,787]

Rely on your Congressman's office for support.  This delay is not of your doing, so you can't be held responsible.

[DV21M 0]

1 minute ago, TBoneTX said:

Rely on your Congressman's office for support.  This delay is not of your doing, so you can't be held responsible.

I tried that too and they just replied to them that they will reschedule me once they reopen… I am legit at a loss because I don’t know what else to do not to lose this opportunity 

[TBoneTX 45,787]

2 hours ago, DV21M said:

they will reschedule me once they reopen

Not sure how many times it can be said that this delay isn't your fault and it can't be held against you.   Rely on what you were told.

[DV21M 0]

21 hours ago, TBoneTX said:

Not sure how many times it can be said that this delay isn't your fault and it can't be held against you.   Rely on what you were told.

I get that, I do. But the green card simply cannot be issued past September 30th, it’d required for the Congress to change the diversity program’s rules. 

[TBoneTX 45,787]

Have faith.