If you remember my case history posted here, the online system used to wrongfully show mine and my wife cases approved ever since we applied in Sep 2002. Could not get that fixed and the status changed later in aug 2004 when I requested for FP and gave them. Thats when my troubles became evident that system was still internally thinking that our cases are aproved.
Literally went through hell for past 1 year to knock on every possible door at USCIS, Washington and Locally. With congresman's help, was able to move the case in Jan 2005 and to our mis-fortune, found that out doctor screwed my medicals. Had to redo them. Then the case got shelved again. With congressman's help, was able to move it again in Feb and ever since they keep telling me that my name check is pending and my wife's cleared.
But whenever I call TSC 1-800#, they say that the case has been approved long time ago and we should have gotten the cards and we should file I-90 for lost/stolen card, which was so absurd. I used to get the right status only thru congressman.
My numerous letters, faxes and phone calls did not work for long time and I almost gave up. Rahuls kumar's posting really gave me great ammunition.
But Well, I did not give up and fought with the system almost every day contacting USCIS personally and thru congressman, FBI and USCIS ombdudsman. We got out approvals over the weekend and I got my stamping done today.
Here is what I think did the trick:
I took my FOIPA result from FBI (which showed no records) and attached that to my personal letter to TSC director expaining the problem and attached proof of wrong approvals. You have to state on the envelope that DO NOT OPEN IN MAIL ROOM. FOR PERSONAL ATTENTION OF DIRECTOR.
At the same time, I fedex'ed my problem to USCIS Ombudsman's office in Washington D.C headed by Rajiv Khatri. So I called Ombudsman several times after that until they contacted USCIS TSC.
In about 3weeks to a month, I got a letter from TSC director saying that they are requesting for expedited name checks from FBI and they can't do anything further, which was a welcome news.
And guess what, 4 days later, I received the magic emails, initially got one email saying that my case was re-opened bcos of a BCIS motion (i think bcos of Ombudsman) and couple of hours later on the same day got the approval emails.
I believe that the expedited name checks have come back right in time when Ombudsman was following up. So thats what happened. Even though my wife also got the approval, her online status did not change. I hope they won't give us this hard time with the actual plastic cards.
I hope this information is useful to all of you. I wish you all good luck.
Literally went through hell for past 1 year to knock on every possible door at USCIS, Washington and Locally. With congresman's help, was able to move the case in Jan 2005 and to our mis-fortune, found that out doctor screwed my medicals. Had to redo them. Then the case got shelved again. With congressman's help, was able to move it again in Feb and ever since they keep telling me that my name check is pending and my wife's cleared.
But whenever I call TSC 1-800#, they say that the case has been approved long time ago and we should have gotten the cards and we should file I-90 for lost/stolen card, which was so absurd. I used to get the right status only thru congressman.
My numerous letters, faxes and phone calls did not work for long time and I almost gave up. Rahuls kumar's posting really gave me great ammunition.
But Well, I did not give up and fought with the system almost every day contacting USCIS personally and thru congressman, FBI and USCIS ombdudsman. We got out approvals over the weekend and I got my stamping done today.
Here is what I think did the trick:
I took my FOIPA result from FBI (which showed no records) and attached that to my personal letter to TSC director expaining the problem and attached proof of wrong approvals. You have to state on the envelope that DO NOT OPEN IN MAIL ROOM. FOR PERSONAL ATTENTION OF DIRECTOR.
At the same time, I fedex'ed my problem to USCIS Ombudsman's office in Washington D.C headed by Rajiv Khatri. So I called Ombudsman several times after that until they contacted USCIS TSC.
In about 3weeks to a month, I got a letter from TSC director saying that they are requesting for expedited name checks from FBI and they can't do anything further, which was a welcome news.
And guess what, 4 days later, I received the magic emails, initially got one email saying that my case was re-opened bcos of a BCIS motion (i think bcos of Ombudsman) and couple of hours later on the same day got the approval emails.
I believe that the expedited name checks have come back right in time when Ombudsman was following up. So thats what happened. Even though my wife also got the approval, her online status did not change. I hope they won't give us this hard time with the actual plastic cards.
I hope this information is useful to all of you. I wish you all good luck.