My in-laws applied for a U.S. visit visa in 2002. They were refused under section 221(g). Almost a year later, the U.S. consulate in Chennai called them and asked if they were still interested in visiting U.S. After my in-laws expressed their interest, they were asked to reschedule an appointment and reapply for the visa.
They appeared before the consulate in September 2004. The counselor reviewed their documents, kept their passports, application fee, visa processing fee and assured them that they will be contacted in 2-3 weeks.
Almost 10 months have passed. My in-laws have been sending frequent emails to the embassy to inquire about their case. The only response they receive is that their case is still under review and the consulate will contact them once a decision has been made.
After waiting almost 2 years, they now have a need to travel outside India to another country and want their passports back. The consulate would not return their passports and the visa processing fee back and will not detail the procedure to retrieve their passports.
In a situation like this, what approach should they take in order to force a decision out of the consulate and secure their passports and visa processing checks?
Your suggestions will be truely appreciated!
They appeared before the consulate in September 2004. The counselor reviewed their documents, kept their passports, application fee, visa processing fee and assured them that they will be contacted in 2-3 weeks.
Almost 10 months have passed. My in-laws have been sending frequent emails to the embassy to inquire about their case. The only response they receive is that their case is still under review and the consulate will contact them once a decision has been made.
After waiting almost 2 years, they now have a need to travel outside India to another country and want their passports back. The consulate would not return their passports and the visa processing fee back and will not detail the procedure to retrieve their passports.
In a situation like this, what approach should they take in order to force a decision out of the consulate and secure their passports and visa processing checks?
Your suggestions will be truely appreciated!