Citizenship Delayed For 3 Years, Help!

J

jrocket

Registered Users (C)
I applied for citizenship in 2000. In April 2002, I went to my interview and passed with flying colors. As I was sitting there waiting for my notice to go to the swearing ceremony the officer told me that they did not have my full file and I had to wait until the file was consolidated before he could give me the swearing ceremony notice. He told me this would only take 3 months.

Fast forward 3 years and I am still waiting. I have been to the immigration office SEVERAL times only to hear the same thing. Immigration cannot do anything because the FBI has to finish the background search (started in 2003).

I don't know what recourse I have. I feel that 3 years is way too long to wait. I need to get this completed and I feel like I have no recourse. Immigration says they can't help me and all I can do is wait. Does anyone have any suggestions?
 
Yes involve your Congressman/Senator immediately. Looks like you are stuck on the name-check. Get this fact confirmed. Once confirmed write to Hooton and explain your urgency.

PS: Did you have to fill G-325a? Which country are you from originally ? What is your DO? Do you have any adverse record?
 
Thank you for your replies...I am crafting a letter to my congressman as we speak. Hopefully, I'll get heard.

Kumar - to answer your questions...

No, I did not have to fill out G-325a. I am from Colombia. I apologize but I don't know what DO means. I do not have and adverse record. As a matter of fact, I don't even have a traffic ticket on my record. and what is more puzzling, is that I've had FBI checks done on me before. I had a securities license (series 63) that required an extensive FBI background check.

As I explained, this is most puzzling because I was approved. I was there waiting for my letter to the swearing ceremony. Oh, one last thing...I had my fingerprints redone in early November.

Thanks again for your replies...I TRULY appreciate it.
 
I just figured out what DO was...My district office is in Houston, Texas.
Can you also tell me who Hooton is?

Sorry...
 
Hooton is the "daddy" of the FBI Name check program - He runs the Records Management Division - as an Asst Director!! He is one that can expedite your namecheck like magic!

Yes I do think that for Series 7/Series 63 NASD runs you thru FBI security checks. Is it possible that your check is done but lost in queue or your check had an error in submission ?

Read my PDF file and call the FBI today and tell them that you are waiting since 2000 and ask if they can find out if a check is pending or not!
 
One last thing, and I promise I'll leave you alone. Can you tell me where your pdf file is? thank you.
 
Thank you all so much for your help, from the bottom of my heart. This has certainly been very troublesome and tiresome.

I just called the FBI and my fingerprints were processed the day they got them. The name check, on the other hand, I had to call another number and of course I have to e-mail. Meanwhile, I am writing my congressman and following the tips on your pdf.

Again, thanks so much for your assistance. I should have done this a year ago.
 
does anyone have any suggestions, templates on writing a congressman? I want to make sure they listen..thanks
 
Call the congressman, tell them you need to speak to a caseworker. Explain your problem to the caseworker. Visit the congressmans office personally, meet the caseworker and give him/her a harcopy of your request - be specific, and MENTION you are waiting for sooooo long!!

In the meanwhile file a FOIPA request with FBI

Once you hear from the congressman , post your experience here.
 
Case Update

I called my congressman's office and spoke to the most pleasant government worker I have ever talked to! She was very empathetic and was extremely eager to help me. She is sending me a form I have to sign that gives his office permission to inquire about my case and she promised that she will get on this ASAP.

So, things are looking up. Hopefully, with some poking and prodding by the congressman's office, the FBI will move the name process along....

I'll keep you all posted of any further events.

Thanks again for your help!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top