Physical Green card

[Captain Oates 911]

Hey Alan and others,

here's an update on my green card: we went in yesterday to Infopass in Chicago. Showed up half an hour earlier and were immediately let in. There were very few people there and we were at the counter in no time after they checked in our appointment and gave us a receipt with a number to watch for on TV screen. A lady working there checked my papers and then read from the computer that my card has been sent off in July '07 and that they have no idea why I did not received it, but that it happens all the time! At that point my husband started inquiring how come no one has to sign for the card when it is delivered either to the post office and then to the immigrant. She said the same thing we all know - that it is being sent via regular mail with no protection and no signature required.

My only option is to e-file I-90 and she says the good thing is you can print your NoA immediately once the payment is processed (CC). So I guess we will have to go that route as she clearly said I won't be getting a stamp after May 2008 unless I show proof of filing.

My husband is now thinking of writing to his Congressman and Senators about this matter.

Also brought up is class action suit for all those people whose green card never showed up (happens all the time) and they had to pay another $370 to get a new one (also happens all the time?).

Does anyone here have any idea what number of people who have never received their green cards and had to refile I-90 (and pay $$$) are we talking about?

End ranting...

That is seriously horrible and nasty

How you keep your cool I do not know - you must be a true lady - classy

Well I am 7 weeks on Monday which was my target date but I think I will call the USCIS today and if I get the 'wait 5 months' or whatever, I will schedule an info pass now - I can always cancel it end of next week if the GC arrives

I didn't know you had to pay for the I-90 if it never arrived... that's not nice

It's nuts that you don't have to sign for a green card - so important for US security as well as the immigrant. It's like they are all robots with no initiative or management skills at all. If I was into conspiracy theories I would say they do it for the I-190 fees but I go with the stupidity theory.

I once worked in Government for 3 years and it popped my skull - they sent me typist who had never typed and who spent 6 weeks on sick because she had disturbed sleep and was too tired to come to work. I spent a month drawing up a statistical report - my top manager said it made him look bad as he wasn't achieving his targets - so he ripped it up in front of me. Yes I know government.

I wish you the very best of luck with all this and keep at em and don't accept promises or 'come back in x months'

alan

[vylex 0]

Good to know about these dates. It's been about a month since we arrived. The SSN tick option worked fine for us. She got her SSN about 2 weeks after. We received two identical welcome letters about a week ago. I think both sent dates were the same. I hope the GC is on it's way.

I definitely have issues with the fact that it's sent with no mail protection or that it's in some unassuming envelope. I get spam snail mail all the time and got into a routine of ripping it apart without inspecting too much.

For those that received the GC already, was it addressed to the alien spouse or the USC / PR?

Our welcome letters were mailed in USCIS marked envelopes with my wife's name in care of me (the USC).

[Captain Oates 911]

Good to know about these dates. It's been about a month since we arrived. The SSN tick option worked fine for us. She got her SSN about 2 weeks after. We received two identical welcome letters about a week ago. I think both sent dates were the same. I hope the GC is on it's way.

I definitely have issues with the fact that it's sent with no mail protection or that it's in some unassuming envelope. I get spam snail mail all the time and got into a routine of ripping it apart without inspecting too much.

For those that received the GC already, was it addressed to the alien spouse or the USC / PR?

Our welcome letters were mailed in USCIS marked envelopes with my wife's name in care of me (the USC).

wow you got a letter after 4 weeks or so - that is definitely quick compared to 7 weeks or so for others right now. Some get 5 letters and no card - some get one letter with the card inside. It's a lottery..

I am getting distinctly edgy - I would call them but I am told that I am then barred from calling for another 30 days - is that true anyone ?

Three weeks on Monday since the SchutzStaffel card interview I asked for. They said I would get it in 2 weeks as they electronically clear it with USCIS in 48 hours max

[vylex 0]

wow you got a letter after 4 weeks or so - that is definitely quick compared to 7 weeks or so for others right now. Some get 5 letters and no card - some get one letter with the card inside. It's a lottery..

I am getting distinctly edgy - I would call them but I am told that I am then barred from calling for another 30 days - is that true anyone ?

Three weeks on Monday since the SchutzStaffel card interview I asked for. They said I would get it in 2 weeks as they electronically clear it with USCIS in 48 hours max

Ignorance was bliss for me since I didn't really do any research for what should happen after the CR-1 entry other than the fact that she'll get an SSN and GC after. We were lucky with the SSN and the two letters that came about 3.5 weeks later was nice. Now we'll see if that GC arrives. I guess the reason I didn't stress was because the visa stamp serves as a temp GC, good for a year. However, after reading all this lost mail possibility I am almost as anxious again when I hung out in the NVC forum LOL.

BTW, fancy meeting you here Alan.

I remember reading your entertaining diatribes just a few months ago in the NVC forum when we were all wating for that elusive case complete. Now we're doing the same thing again with GCs heh.

Same poo poo different day (forum)...when it comes to the immigration depts.

I won't deny that I feel MUCH better being together with my wife and stressing vs. being apart and stressing.

[Mononoke28 135]

If I were to do this whole DS-230 all over again, I wouldn't have checked the SS# box on there. That was the worst because I didn't know if we had to wait or go to the SSA office to get his number. Turns out the USCIS hadn't notified the SSA about him coming to the US so we had to file again and wait another 4 weeks.

Diana

[Captain Oates 911]

wow you got a letter after 4 weeks or so - that is definitely quick compared to 7 weeks or so for others right now. Some get 5 letters and no card - some get one letter with the card inside. It's a lottery..

I am getting distinctly edgy - I would call them but I am told that I am then barred from calling for another 30 days - is that true anyone ?

Three weeks on Monday since the SchutzStaffel card interview I asked for. They said I would get it in 2 weeks as they electronically clear it with USCIS in 48 hours max

Ignorance was bliss for me since I didn't really do any research for what should happen after the CR-1 entry other than the fact that she'll get an SSN and GC after. We were lucky with the SSN and the two letters that came about 3.5 weeks later was nice. Now we'll see if that GC arrives. I guess the reason I didn't stress was because the visa stamp serves as a temp GC, good for a year. However, after reading all this lost mail possibility I am almost as anxious again when I hung out in the NVC forum LOL.

BTW, fancy meeting you here Alan.

I remember reading your entertaining diatribes just a few months ago in the NVC forum when we were all wating for that elusive case complete. Now we're doing the same thing again with GCs heh.

Same poo poo different day (forum)...when it comes to the immigration depts.

I won't deny that I feel MUCH better being together with my wife and stressing vs. being apart and stressing.

I am not always entertaining - sometimes I am just plain grouchy ! Well at least milimelo's experience is a warning to all - dont wait month after month or let em put you off with 'wait x weeks' - get after em with an infopass because suddenly that 12 month endorsement on the visa looks a heck of a lot closer.

Yes being together in the warmth of Florida is a lot better than the pits of the world in the filth of Darwen, Lancashire in the wettest summer since the ice age. I didn't even know there were hell holes like that in England though it's only 55 miles from where I was brought up

I am grouchy this week as Barclays bank sent a wire transfer to Bank of Scotland (both UK banks) for $60k and it's disappeared ! Barclays say they sent it and BOS says it didn't arrive. It was a same day wire transfer 2 weeks ago ! I have been at em every day and they can't be bothered. They make excuses about having day's off and computer failures etc and it's just added stress.

Barclays say it's not their problem it went - and BOS say its not theirs it didn't arrive - can you believe an inter bank wire between 2 of the largest banks in the UK can end up like that ?

sixty some thousand dollars disappeared.. makes the USCIS look good ! No sleep for me this week.

I digress - I will make an infopass for early Jan and cancel it if necessary

Edited December 20, 2007 by saywhat

[Captain Oates 911]

If I were to do this whole DS-230 all over again, I wouldn't have checked the SS# box on there. That was the worst because I didn't know if we had to wait or go to the SSA office to get his number. Turns out the USCIS hadn't notified the SSA about him coming to the US so we had to file again and wait another 4 weeks.

Diana

I ticked the box too - it seems to work in 10% of cases. Good job I had a restricted SS card from K1 or I would have no car or bank or credit card.. still no SS as at today

Everyone in the banks/credit card/SS office/USCIS/DMV etc etc but 100% of em are lying through their teeth about calling me back and how long this or that will take etc etc ...

[JA Tam 7]

Hey Alan and others,

here's an update on my green card: we went in yesterday to Infopass in Chicago. Showed up half an hour earlier and were immediately let in. There were very few people there and we were at the counter in no time after they checked in our appointment and gave us a receipt with a number to watch for on TV screen. A lady working there checked my papers and then read from the computer that my card has been sent off in July '07 and that they have no idea why I did not received it, but that it happens all the time! At that point my husband started inquiring how come no one has to sign for the card when it is delivered either to the post office and then to the immigrant. She said the same thing we all know - that it is being sent via regular mail with no protection and no signature required.

My only option is to e-file I-90 and she says the good thing is you can print your NoA immediately once the payment is processed (CC). So I guess we will have to go that route as she clearly said I won't be getting a stamp after May 2008 unless I show proof of filing.

My husband is now thinking of writing to his Congressman and Senators about this matter.

Also brought up is class action suit for all those people whose green card never showed up (happens all the time) and they had to pay another $370 to get a new one (also happens all the time?).

Does anyone here have any idea what number of people who have never received their green cards and had to refile I-90 (and pay $$$) are we talking about?

End ranting...

THAT IS RIDICULOUS!!! I can't imagine that they are forcing you to pay to have another GC processed for you because it was lost in the mail. THEY SHOULD ISSUE ONE FOR YOU RIGHT THERE...That is absurd! I hope that you are able to get an answer from your Congressman or Senator. If the possibility is there to sue the government for this, then I am all for it!!!!

[JA Tam 7]

For those that received the GC already, was it addressed to the alien spouse or the USC / PR?

Our welcome letters were mailed in USCIS marked envelopes with my wife's name in care of me (the USC).

The envelope was addressed to my hubby in care of me (the USC); similar fashion to how the welcome letters were addressed.

If I were to do this whole DS-230 all over again, I wouldn't have checked the SS# box on there. That was the worst because I didn't know if we had to wait or go to the SSA office to get his number. Turns out the USCIS hadn't notified the SSA about him coming to the US so we had to file again and wait another 4 weeks.

Diana

Oh Diana, I can't believe he just got the card 2 weeks ago. That is crazy that you all had to go and reapply at SSA because the USCIS didn't do their job! At least he has it now and he can get on with life in the USA

[JA Tam 7]

When we filled out the DS 230, I was hesitant in ticking the box for the SSN to be issued. We ticked it at the last minute and the CO at the Embassy reconfirmed that we wanted USCIS to issue his SSN. It worked out for us, since he got it in 9 days.

[Silas 0]

Hey Alan and others,

here's an update on my green card: we went in yesterday to Infopass in Chicago. Showed up half an hour earlier and were immediately let in. There were very few people there and we were at the counter in no time after they checked in our appointment and gave us a receipt with a number to watch for on TV screen. A lady working there checked my papers and then read from the computer that my card has been sent off in July '07 and that they have no idea why I did not received it, but that it happens all the time! At that point my husband started inquiring how come no one has to sign for the card when it is delivered either to the post office and then to the immigrant. She said the same thing we all know - that it is being sent via regular mail with no protection and no signature required.

My only option is to e-file I-90 and she says the good thing is you can print your NoA immediately once the payment is processed (CC). So I guess we will have to go that route as she clearly said I won't be getting a stamp after May 2008 unless I show proof of filing.

My husband is now thinking of writing to his Congressman and Senators about this matter.

Also brought up is class action suit for all those people whose green card never showed up (happens all the time) and they had to pay another $370 to get a new one (also happens all the time?).

Does anyone here have any idea what number of people who have never received their green cards and had to refile I-90 (and pay $$$) are we talking about?

End ranting...

Wow!! My jaw is open as I write this, $370 to replace a card you never recieved. Wow!! And I thought dealing with Sears's customer service was bad.

Well unless by some sort of miracle I get my GC tomorrow, I'll have to use the visa to get back into the US after Christmas. I just know I'll get some smart-### comments from immigration about how I need the GC to get in.

[vylex 0]

Thanks for the response JA TAM with the mailing info.

Talk about timing...as I stumbled on this topic and started getting worried about my wife's GC, it arrived in the mail today! It even looks correct although I will follow Alan's procedure and look at again in the morning.

The good part is it is correct info. The bad part is it only lasts 2 years since it is the CR-1 variety. I hope the IR-1 version doesn't get screwed up or hopefully it's something my wife and I can pick up.

The date of the mailing was the 12/17th. That is one day short of a month since we arrived. Not bad. I wish everyone would have this kind of luck. Alan, I think we will buy a lottery ticket tomorrow.

Good luck to everyone else waiting on their GCs and SSNs!

[cowgirl 0]

I came back into the US on 7th April 2007 via Philadelphia, after having to have another medical in London and three visits to the Embassy, due to me not renewing my Visa, read the wrong date on a trip back to Uk to see my Mum & Son.

Entered Philadelphia and gave Immigration my paperwork, he stamped my passport with Temp !-551 Stamp good for 1 year. Notice of action 15th May, my Green Card (10year was on its way). Never arrived, contacted USCIS via 800 number, told to re-file and Pay again, of course fees had gone up. Got hold of my Senator, he received same story pay again. Green card sent out and not returned to PO. Finally sent I-90 again and $370 waited 30 days, no Green card, spoke to USCIS again, did a service request, letter from them in November , - "Wait 6month's if your card doesn't arrive contact us again". Senator trying to sort it out, says it is a farce. Why does it take sooo long to produce a replacement card when the original only took 1 month. Does someone just say it's been mailed and use the fee??

I never got AOS as I waited two years for a FBI Check, no-one seems to know what happened to my paperwork.

Now been married over 4 years and still waiting.

cowgirl, montana

[Captain Oates 911]

I came back into the US on 7th April 2007 via Philadelphia, after having to have another medical in London and three visits to the Embassy, due to me not renewing my Visa, read the wrong date on a trip back to Uk to see my Mum & Son.

Entered Philadelphia and gave Immigration my paperwork, he stamped my passport with Temp !-551 Stamp good for 1 year. Notice of action 15th May, my Green Card (10year was on its way). Never arrived, contacted USCIS via 800 number, told to re-file and Pay again, of course fees had gone up. Got hold of my Senator, he received same story pay again. Green card sent out and not returned to PO. Finally sent I-90 again and $370 waited 30 days, no Green card, spoke to USCIS again, did a service request, letter from them in November , - "Wait 6month's if your card doesn't arrive contact us again". Senator trying to sort it out, says it is a farce. Why does it take sooo long to produce a replacement card when the original only took 1 month. Does someone just say it's been mailed and use the fee??

I never got AOS as I waited two years for a FBI Check, no-one seems to know what happened to my paperwork.

Now been married over 4 years and still waiting.

cowgirl, montana

ouch indeed ! seems the slightest deviation from 'simple' sends the whole system into a tizwoz...

The USCIS infopass site says don't contact USCIS until 60 days has gone by so I will call early Jan on day 61 so they cant wriggle.

That 6 months stuff must have been dreadful to hear.. I wish they would not do that.

When I saw the 12 month green card stamp in my passport I thought there must be a reason for that period of time.

ok well the today my bank found my $60k that they lost for 10 days and which they downright denied all knowledge of - so perhaps things are picking up.. I might finally get some sleep...

I am already getting anxious about naturalization 3 years down the road - its the bit about where they take your GC from you that scares me...

after that you...yes you guessed it - you WAIT !!!!!

Here is me, 60 years old, retired and living in Florida and supposed to be relaxing but I am more wound up and stressed and headachey than when I was 40 and working 18 hours a day ..

Imagine standing at the airport and they wont let you in when you have a house and a spouse and a car and all your money and everything you own in the world in the U.S. I bet that happens every day. Can you imagine how that feels as you are sat in the detention/expulsion room ? and all because of their confused error ridden system ?

My friend has ben here 12 years and his kids were babies and are now young Americans really - he has still not applied for Nationality - he is running a BIG risk with just a green card. Google 'charlie chapin' if you don't believe me - he had a green card for decades and they locked him out at POE

another Brit of course....

alan

Edited December 21, 2007 by saywhat

[Captain Oates 911]

PS>>>Charlie Chaplin

In 1952, Chaplin left the US for what was intended as a brief trip home to the United Kingdom for the London premiere of Limelight. Hoover learned of the trip and negotiated with the Immigration and Naturalization Service to revoke Chaplin's re-entry permit. Chaplin decided not to re-enter the United States, writing; ".....Since the end of the last world war, I have been the object of lies and propaganda by powerful reactionary groups who, by their influence and by the aid of America's yellow press, have created an unhealthy atmosphere in which liberal-minded individuals can be singled out and persecuted. Under these conditions I find it virtually impossible to continue my motion-picture work, and I have therefore given up my residence in the United States."[6]