pappu
03-17 03:55 PM
http://www.dhs.gov/xabout/structure/gc_1294871282792.shtm
Teleconference Recap: FOIA: How Is It Working For You?
On December 6, 2010, the Ombudsman's Office hosted a public teleconference on "FOIA: How Is It Working for You?" where the Ombudsman's Office interviewed Terry Sloan, Acting Center Director, National Records Center and Jill Eggleston, the Assistant Center Director ofFreedom of Information Act (FOIA) Operations for the National Records Center at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Inquiries to the Ombudsman's Office have identified FOIA requests as an area where the public continues to experience frustration in relation to citizenship and immigration services. Please direct any inquiries related to the topics raised in this teleconference to Margaret Gleason, Senior Advisor to the Ombudsman, at margaret.gleason@dhs.gov. If you have a concern with your USCIS FOIA request and have been unable to resolve the issue with USCIS, the Ombudsman's Office may be able to help.
Freedom of Information Act
Under the FOIA statute, "any person" may request documents from a U.S. government agency. This applies to both U.S. citizens and to citizens of foreign countries. The law allows 20 business days for response to a FOIA request. USCIS has been unable to make that deadline to date, although processing has improved in the past few years. Agencies may withhold information from a FOIA requester under certain exemptions. The law does not allow an agency to withhold information for other reasons, such as possible embarrassment to the agency.
USCIS Processing of FOIA Requests
USCIS FOIA processing is consolidated at the National Records Center (NRC). Prior to 2005, FOIA requests were decentralized, and could be handled on the local level by USCIS. In FY 2006, USCIS had a backlog of more than 88,000 FOIA requests. Jill Eggleston reported in the teleconference that in FY 2010 the backlog was down to 8,000 cases.
There are currently 120 NRC employees, with 30 more new employees authorized for hiring in 2011. Ms. Eggleston informed teleconference participants that current USCIS processing times for FOIA requests vary according to the type of request and that USCIS sorts FOIA requests into three separate tracks. Ms Eggleston also noted the processing time for each type of request.
* Track One FOIA Requests, or simple document requests, are those that request only a specific document, such as a copy of a particular immigration petition.
Processing time: 43 working days
* Track Two FOIA Requests are those where an entire file is requested.
Processing time: 34 working days
* Track Three FOIA Requests are those requests where the individual has a pending hearing scheduled before the Immigration Court.
Processing time: 59 working days
In the FOIA Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2009, the processing times published for USCIS show an average processing time of 215 business days for Track One FOIA requests, 344 business days for Track Two FOIA requests, and an average of 60 business days for Track Three FOIA Requests.
USCIS FOIA Process
As stated on the teleconference, FOIA requests to USCIS can be made with a Form G-639 (PDF - 2 pages, 100 KB) or by written request submitted by mail to USCIS NRC, P.O. Box 648010, Lee's Summit, Mo. 64064-8010; or by fax to 816-350-5785. Most FOIA requests are free, but if fees exceed $25, the requester will be notified in advance of such a charge. Ms. Eggleston stated that a web-based request system would be established in the near future and will be rolled out in two phases: Phase One will be for media requests, while Phase Two will be for all other requests. Currently, the status of a FOIA request can be checked with an NRC receipt number through the FOIA link on USCIS Home Page (http://www.uscis.gov).
Appeals of USCIS FOIA denials or material withheld under FOIA exemptions may be filed to USCIS FOIA Appeals, 150 Space Center Loop, Lee's Summit, Mo. 64064-2139.
As noted in the teleconference, more information on filing FOIA requests with other Department of Homeland Security components, such as U.S. Customs and Border Protection or U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, is available at DHS | Freedom of Information Act & Privacy Act (http://www.dhs.gov/foia).
Expedite Criteria
By regulation, there are narrow expedite criteria that may allow a requester priority to receive a FOIA response. Expedites will only be granted for cases that present an imminent threat to life or safety requiring the FOIA response, or where there is an urgency to inform the public.
Overall, FOIA requests are handled on a first-come, first-served basis, which is only differentiated based on the three tracks described above, or the occasional expedite case.
Teleconference Questions
In response to questions from callers on the teleconference, Ms. Eggleston stated that certain information is required with a FOIA request to verify identity including name, address, date of birth, and place of birth. Without this information, a FOIA request is incomplete. If information in a file is incorrect, a Form G-639 (PDF - 2 pages, 100 KB) can be used to correct information under the Privacy Act. Another caller asked if USCIS could retrieve an envelope with a postmark from a particular file under FOIA. This documentation might be needed to support an application for adjustment of status under . Ms. Eggleston stated that there is a separate receipt file where payments to USCIS are recorded. If a receipt is requested, the FOIA request should specify that the NRC should search the alien's receipt file.
If records are requested on behalf of a child, Ms. Eggleston stated that names of parents will be requested, and USCIS may ask for proof of parent or guardian relationship before sending information to that party.
Ms. Eggleston said that sometimes in denying FOIA requests for persons with final removal orders, USCIS invokes the 'fugitive disentitlement doctrine' under Meddah v. Reno, No. 98-1444, (E.D. Pa. Dec. 8, 1998). She also said that her office may refer such FOIA requests to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE
Teleconference Recap: FOIA: How Is It Working For You?
On December 6, 2010, the Ombudsman's Office hosted a public teleconference on "FOIA: How Is It Working for You?" where the Ombudsman's Office interviewed Terry Sloan, Acting Center Director, National Records Center and Jill Eggleston, the Assistant Center Director ofFreedom of Information Act (FOIA) Operations for the National Records Center at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Inquiries to the Ombudsman's Office have identified FOIA requests as an area where the public continues to experience frustration in relation to citizenship and immigration services. Please direct any inquiries related to the topics raised in this teleconference to Margaret Gleason, Senior Advisor to the Ombudsman, at margaret.gleason@dhs.gov. If you have a concern with your USCIS FOIA request and have been unable to resolve the issue with USCIS, the Ombudsman's Office may be able to help.
Freedom of Information Act
Under the FOIA statute, "any person" may request documents from a U.S. government agency. This applies to both U.S. citizens and to citizens of foreign countries. The law allows 20 business days for response to a FOIA request. USCIS has been unable to make that deadline to date, although processing has improved in the past few years. Agencies may withhold information from a FOIA requester under certain exemptions. The law does not allow an agency to withhold information for other reasons, such as possible embarrassment to the agency.
USCIS Processing of FOIA Requests
USCIS FOIA processing is consolidated at the National Records Center (NRC). Prior to 2005, FOIA requests were decentralized, and could be handled on the local level by USCIS. In FY 2006, USCIS had a backlog of more than 88,000 FOIA requests. Jill Eggleston reported in the teleconference that in FY 2010 the backlog was down to 8,000 cases.
There are currently 120 NRC employees, with 30 more new employees authorized for hiring in 2011. Ms. Eggleston informed teleconference participants that current USCIS processing times for FOIA requests vary according to the type of request and that USCIS sorts FOIA requests into three separate tracks. Ms Eggleston also noted the processing time for each type of request.
* Track One FOIA Requests, or simple document requests, are those that request only a specific document, such as a copy of a particular immigration petition.
Processing time: 43 working days
* Track Two FOIA Requests are those where an entire file is requested.
Processing time: 34 working days
* Track Three FOIA Requests are those requests where the individual has a pending hearing scheduled before the Immigration Court.
Processing time: 59 working days
In the FOIA Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2009, the processing times published for USCIS show an average processing time of 215 business days for Track One FOIA requests, 344 business days for Track Two FOIA requests, and an average of 60 business days for Track Three FOIA Requests.
USCIS FOIA Process
As stated on the teleconference, FOIA requests to USCIS can be made with a Form G-639 (PDF - 2 pages, 100 KB) or by written request submitted by mail to USCIS NRC, P.O. Box 648010, Lee's Summit, Mo. 64064-8010; or by fax to 816-350-5785. Most FOIA requests are free, but if fees exceed $25, the requester will be notified in advance of such a charge. Ms. Eggleston stated that a web-based request system would be established in the near future and will be rolled out in two phases: Phase One will be for media requests, while Phase Two will be for all other requests. Currently, the status of a FOIA request can be checked with an NRC receipt number through the FOIA link on USCIS Home Page (http://www.uscis.gov).
Appeals of USCIS FOIA denials or material withheld under FOIA exemptions may be filed to USCIS FOIA Appeals, 150 Space Center Loop, Lee's Summit, Mo. 64064-2139.
As noted in the teleconference, more information on filing FOIA requests with other Department of Homeland Security components, such as U.S. Customs and Border Protection or U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, is available at DHS | Freedom of Information Act & Privacy Act (http://www.dhs.gov/foia).
Expedite Criteria
By regulation, there are narrow expedite criteria that may allow a requester priority to receive a FOIA response. Expedites will only be granted for cases that present an imminent threat to life or safety requiring the FOIA response, or where there is an urgency to inform the public.
Overall, FOIA requests are handled on a first-come, first-served basis, which is only differentiated based on the three tracks described above, or the occasional expedite case.
Teleconference Questions
In response to questions from callers on the teleconference, Ms. Eggleston stated that certain information is required with a FOIA request to verify identity including name, address, date of birth, and place of birth. Without this information, a FOIA request is incomplete. If information in a file is incorrect, a Form G-639 (PDF - 2 pages, 100 KB) can be used to correct information under the Privacy Act. Another caller asked if USCIS could retrieve an envelope with a postmark from a particular file under FOIA. This documentation might be needed to support an application for adjustment of status under . Ms. Eggleston stated that there is a separate receipt file where payments to USCIS are recorded. If a receipt is requested, the FOIA request should specify that the NRC should search the alien's receipt file.
If records are requested on behalf of a child, Ms. Eggleston stated that names of parents will be requested, and USCIS may ask for proof of parent or guardian relationship before sending information to that party.
Ms. Eggleston said that sometimes in denying FOIA requests for persons with final removal orders, USCIS invokes the 'fugitive disentitlement doctrine' under Meddah v. Reno, No. 98-1444, (E.D. Pa. Dec. 8, 1998). She also said that her office may refer such FOIA requests to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE
Roger Binny
04-06 01:14 AM
If your case is I-140 + I- 485 applied at the same time, then word on the street is they will process both at the same time rather than processing I140 first then wait for visa dates and process I485, hope you are already aware of this rumor/speculation or truth.
santb1975
02-15 04:35 PM
^^^
tabletpc
11-30 12:37 PM
MUGWUMP,
Thanks for sharing you are expereince.
I just sent my application. I also claimed for 16 points. I have indian BS degree and US MS degree both in CS. Can i anticipate any request for more information from consulate..???
I felt kind of ashmed today after mailing the application. it took me not more than 30 mins in total to finish the application and i was dragging this from almsot 1+ years.
Most of the time things are not as difficult/time consuming as we assume it to be. Lesson learnt...!!!
Thanks for sharing you are expereince.
I just sent my application. I also claimed for 16 points. I have indian BS degree and US MS degree both in CS. Can i anticipate any request for more information from consulate..???
I felt kind of ashmed today after mailing the application. it took me not more than 30 mins in total to finish the application and i was dragging this from almsot 1+ years.
Most of the time things are not as difficult/time consuming as we assume it to be. Lesson learnt...!!!
more...
imm_pro
06-13 05:09 PM
Going through a bill, usually in subcommittee, section by section, revising language, amending sections etc and reach a consensus
pdakwala
06-26 12:20 PM
There is expected to be another vote on Thursday evening to move towards limiting the debate on the Bill and a final vote is expected to be by Friday.
The bill have got more than 60 votes on the cloture motion. Under the "CLAY PIGEON" maneuver the likelyhood of this bill passing from the senate is very high. In order for this bill to pass it needs only 51 votes.
So IV membes please get ready for the fight. We will need members to be active for next few days and weeks. May be months.
The bill have got more than 60 votes on the cloture motion. Under the "CLAY PIGEON" maneuver the likelyhood of this bill passing from the senate is very high. In order for this bill to pass it needs only 51 votes.
So IV membes please get ready for the fight. We will need members to be active for next few days and weeks. May be months.
more...
eastindia
01-06 09:44 AM
I understand that this bill many not pass or even move any forward. I thought two senior senators from both parties showing interest in this topic is a great opportunity for IV to present our case in a different light. We have been clamoring about the difficulties we are facing because of the present delay in green card processing. Unfortunately this is only our problem and no one else really has to be bothered about it. If we present our case in a mutually beneficial point of view perhaps some of the politicians will have little more interest in our situation. Remember JFK’s famous words…”Ask not what the country can do for you….” If we write to Senators Kerry and Lugar now, even if the bill does not pass, they will consider our situation slightly differently next time CIR or another immigration bill is introduced in the congress. I think IV ought to present our case in all different angles possible rather than the one way approach of expecting mercy in our situation. Most importantly, I think the premise of the proposed Kerry/Lugar bill is very much applicable the folks in IV. Aren’t many people in this forum waiting for an opportunity to do some business on their own? That is how new immigrants in America have always been. We shouldn’t be any different. I am sure we cannot bring in the capital that senators are looking for. But why don’t they view us slightly differently?
If it is a great opportunity, why dont everyone work on it. Start with investing in IV and taking part in it. IV is you and me.
75% of us in this forum do not qualify for the legislation being proposed here!
You are saying we folks cannot even invest 100K into business?
Even if I agree with you for a second. According to you out of 50 thousand IV members 10 thousand members qualify for this legislation. 10 thousand is a very big number.
Where are these ten thousand members? Even if these 10 thousand members invest $25 per month to lobby this bill it will be 250K per month to lobby. This is a huge amount and they can lobby this bill easily. The problem I see in IV is that out of 50 thousand people only 50 people have $25 per month to invest to lobby their own issues. Rest everyone is just sitting here and only contributing opinions.
If it is a great opportunity, why dont everyone work on it. Start with investing in IV and taking part in it. IV is you and me.
75% of us in this forum do not qualify for the legislation being proposed here!
You are saying we folks cannot even invest 100K into business?
Even if I agree with you for a second. According to you out of 50 thousand IV members 10 thousand members qualify for this legislation. 10 thousand is a very big number.
Where are these ten thousand members? Even if these 10 thousand members invest $25 per month to lobby this bill it will be 250K per month to lobby. This is a huge amount and they can lobby this bill easily. The problem I see in IV is that out of 50 thousand people only 50 people have $25 per month to invest to lobby their own issues. Rest everyone is just sitting here and only contributing opinions.
gcformeornot
04-07 02:07 PM
As far as I know, labor subs was banned in 2007...So if labor was substituted before 2007, we need to worry....Other cases who have 140 and labor intact now need not worry abt this rule for AC21..
Correct me if this is wrong...
but in many many cases people do not know about their Labor and 140 details. Many many chose not file AC21 documents... they just move to a new employer.... some of them might have their labor substituted without them know it.....
Mind you if you look at 485 inventory.... there are thousands of them out there who have filed 485 before July 2007 and still are waiting....
Correct me if this is wrong...
but in many many cases people do not know about their Labor and 140 details. Many many chose not file AC21 documents... they just move to a new employer.... some of them might have their labor substituted without them know it.....
Mind you if you look at 485 inventory.... there are thousands of them out there who have filed 485 before July 2007 and still are waiting....
more...
WAIT_FOR_EVER_GC
06-24 03:19 PM
Rupert Murdoch, Mayor Bloomberg Lobby For Immigration Reform, Path To 'Legal Status' For Illegal Immigrants (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/06/24/rupert-murdoch-mayor-bloo_n_623805.html)
Excellent.
Let them lobby.
Agriculture sector and Tech firms, Construction, Latinos have been lobbying for years now but nothing happened.
Immigration will be taken up during the next year. The Top Agenda is energy bill for this year. No Matter who lobbyies nothing gonna matter.
Next year if Reps gain majority in the Senate then It will be tough battle.
Amnesty will not come easy.
If the fight between reps and dems become too intense. No CIR next year either.
Adjobs,dream act,some EB relief, tough border, Fine employers may pass piece meal
which will calm down most of the Immigration lobbyist next year.
If God forbid the market does not pickup next year, jobs, housings, finance .. CIR will be nearly impossible.
Bernanke
http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/2010-06-08-bernanke_N.htm
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6523SN20100609
Excellent.
Let them lobby.
Agriculture sector and Tech firms, Construction, Latinos have been lobbying for years now but nothing happened.
Immigration will be taken up during the next year. The Top Agenda is energy bill for this year. No Matter who lobbyies nothing gonna matter.
Next year if Reps gain majority in the Senate then It will be tough battle.
Amnesty will not come easy.
If the fight between reps and dems become too intense. No CIR next year either.
Adjobs,dream act,some EB relief, tough border, Fine employers may pass piece meal
which will calm down most of the Immigration lobbyist next year.
If God forbid the market does not pickup next year, jobs, housings, finance .. CIR will be nearly impossible.
Bernanke
http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/2010-06-08-bernanke_N.htm
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6523SN20100609
ashkam
12-08 02:35 PM
Her H4 is not valid. She did travel to India without an approved AP.
Can we cancel her GC application and bring her back on H4?
Any other options?
According to my attorney, if you are in valid H1 status, your wife can get her H4 stamped, reenter on an H4 and still maintain her GC application. Once she comes back, she can go back to work on her EAD and transition into I-485 pending status.
Can we cancel her GC application and bring her back on H4?
Any other options?
According to my attorney, if you are in valid H1 status, your wife can get her H4 stamped, reenter on an H4 and still maintain her GC application. Once she comes back, she can go back to work on her EAD and transition into I-485 pending status.
more...
GotGC??
06-21 09:22 AM
Any idea what constitutes a "simple, str forward" case? At 485 stage, what are the things that could potentially make it a more complicated case?
Although that the rule..I dont think USCIS actively follows it. The reason for that being the ombudsman report that states that the adjudicating officers pick low hanging fruit first (simple strforward cases) and that is reflected on where people have been getting their 485 approved within 90 days (which the ombudsman's report states is uscis's goal). right now the processing date is holding at 9 months. maybe to dissuade people from continously calling the NSC 1800 number.
Although that the rule..I dont think USCIS actively follows it. The reason for that being the ombudsman report that states that the adjudicating officers pick low hanging fruit first (simple strforward cases) and that is reflected on where people have been getting their 485 approved within 90 days (which the ombudsman's report states is uscis's goal). right now the processing date is holding at 9 months. maybe to dissuade people from continously calling the NSC 1800 number.
Waitingnvain
08-04 03:36 PM
I believe one will be eligible for SS after attaining 40 credits. There is no residency requirement. WRT 401K, you might ending up paying a penalty of 10% in addition to 30% tax.
more...
webm
04-21 02:39 PM
Congratulations on getting your GC !!!
I need to ask you a question as I don't see on LUD after FP in 485. However LUD changed on my approved I-140.
Was there any LUD on I-140 case after your FP?
Regards
Normally there should be a LUD on 485 after FP is done (same day/next)..
I need to ask you a question as I don't see on LUD after FP in 485. However LUD changed on my approved I-140.
Was there any LUD on I-140 case after your FP?
Regards
Normally there should be a LUD on 485 after FP is done (same day/next)..
gcisadawg
04-19 06:06 PM
When you go for a loan against the credit card balance, there are two types.
1> 0% to 1.99% short term loan with 3% transfer fee.
2> 4.99% to 5.99% LIFE time loan with 3% transfer fee.
The key thing for both the loan is...
1> Never EVER use the credit card that you used to get the loan UNTIL you repay the loan completely..
2> When you go for the loan, ensure the balance on your card is zero. If you have a balance, ask them to pay off the balance from the loan amount and send the reminder.
3> Always pay on time at least the minimum balance. Never miss a payment. Ensure this credit card doesn't have universal default clause, meaning, if you are late on any other credit card then you are considered as late on this card.
If all the above three points are acceptable, I suggest CC loans. Otherwise, look for other options.
GCisaDawg
1> 0% to 1.99% short term loan with 3% transfer fee.
2> 4.99% to 5.99% LIFE time loan with 3% transfer fee.
The key thing for both the loan is...
1> Never EVER use the credit card that you used to get the loan UNTIL you repay the loan completely..
2> When you go for the loan, ensure the balance on your card is zero. If you have a balance, ask them to pay off the balance from the loan amount and send the reminder.
3> Always pay on time at least the minimum balance. Never miss a payment. Ensure this credit card doesn't have universal default clause, meaning, if you are late on any other credit card then you are considered as late on this card.
If all the above three points are acceptable, I suggest CC loans. Otherwise, look for other options.
GCisaDawg
more...
centaur
02-09 11:09 AM
Excellent idea.
Yes this option is open...the sitiuation is getting ridicilous by the day..lets wait for couple of months so see if SKIL OR CIR take some direction..meanwhile nothin prevents us from preparing
grounds for a law suit!!
Yes this option is open...the sitiuation is getting ridicilous by the day..lets wait for couple of months so see if SKIL OR CIR take some direction..meanwhile nothin prevents us from preparing
grounds for a law suit!!
ddanait
02-11 01:03 PM
How does one access donor forum? I ahve donated some sum and I am a registered member
more...
santa123
07-17 12:51 PM
Anyone??
funny
09-16 02:27 PM
Don't forget to CALL guys..
ita
01-23 01:26 PM
Thank you very much for all the replies.
Online we filled D-156 form (I guess you meant D-156 right?) but where is 157 (D or I but where do you find 157 form).?
Thank you.
Online we filled D-156 form (I guess you meant D-156 right?) but where is 157 (D or I but where do you find 157 form).?
Thank you.
probe
05-27 02:59 PM
Applied (E-filed) on 4/19/2010 LUD on 4/26/2010 received receipt notice in a week.So far no finger print notice . I did received finger print twice in the past when I applied for EAD even though they took finger prints for I-485.
I heard that finger prints obtained at port of entry will be good for other immigration related applications.
I heard that finger prints obtained at port of entry will be good for other immigration related applications.
myeb2gc
02-24 08:43 PM
Hi myeb2gc ,
You added lot of hope in this H1 extn process but for how long did you got ur H1 extn ?
Hi, i got it for 2 years 10 months, but not 3 years even after having approved 140.But it seems ok...
You added lot of hope in this H1 extn process but for how long did you got ur H1 extn ?
Hi, i got it for 2 years 10 months, but not 3 years even after having approved 140.But it seems ok...
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