thanks Walker, I understand what you mean by doing something about it. but to be honest, we feel absolute helpless and abused. we made an inquiry on the 10/29/09, the very next day they sent us an email saying it's still on the normal processing time, although it was not. then we made a second request on 12/25 and they sent us the heartbreaking email 2 days after about the hold. it might not be the case, but it felt like someone over there got irrate about our inquiry and placed us on the hold. cuz it makes no sense, we have never done anything wrong. now, we're scared to even do an inquiry. what if they totally reject the case. i've been in us for 10 yrs, f1 -h1-f1, absolutely love the country, idea and the people, and so does my wife. like everyone i want to start my life too at someone point, but this hold is holding my life. this is the only forum where i see some hope, everyday i check this forum like 5 times and read the hopeful messages to get me going.