I'm a new American Citizen!

D

dbaest

New Member
I'm all done. I would like to share a few tips.

- The process works. Thousands of people get processed every month. However, it's mostly the ones who run into trouble (long waits, need help) that report and write on the forums. So when you see lots of negative posts, don't start assuming things will go bad for you as well.

- The USCIS is there to help. I know this sounds strange and you might disagree but remember they are setup and want to accept new people not reject them. I know the process is slow and cumbersome and could use lots of improvements but keeping the attitude that USCIS personnel are there to help will make your life easier

- Use the InfoPass whenever in doubt. The 800 number is not very reliable and they are not expected to answer all the questions they get. Keep on top of things and get an InfoPass to your DO if you feel there is a glitch. You have to absoutely stay on top of things.

Remember to keep all possible documentation and be prepared to answer questions. Look at posts elsewhere on this forum. Good luck to all who are waiting! It's a wonderful feeling to be done and well worth the wait...
Finally a word of thanks to the keepers of this forum and to those who take the time to answer questions like FlyDog, JohnnyCash.
 
Great post. I agree. My process has been (so far) smooth, though namecheck did take close to 9 months after FP. Even tho' I had no problems per se (except a missed FP appointment), I have found this forum invaluable for educating myself about the process, giving myself comfort & solace etc. etc. It has also been very helpful to me for specifics: for example, what to do about my missed FP appointment, what to take to interview, how long the process should take, whether I should worry about having an old-style (lifetime) green card and so on.
 
dbaest said:
- The USCIS is there to help. I know this sounds strange and you might disagree but remember they are setup and want to accept new people not reject them. I know the process is slow and cumbersome and could use lots of improvements but keeping the attitude that USCIS personnel are there to help will make your life easier
Click to expand...

Congratulations. I'm not sure I agree with that statement (the "The USCIS is there to help").

My belief is that the USCIS is there to do whatever it is that they think is there statutory duty. They aren't particularly helpful unless you can convince them that your case fits there sometimes odd view of what that duty is. And, they provide no avenues for you to try to make your case.

My N-400 processing was held up for nearly 6 months because of their incompetence and intransigence (and, without the intervention of a senator last fall, I'd probably still be waiting). For the life of me, I cannot figure out how it takes a year and $255 to process an N-600.

I remain unconvinced.
 
dbaest said:
I'm all done. I would like to share a few tips.

- The process works. Thousands of people get processed every month. However, it's mostly the ones who run into trouble (long waits, need help) that report and write on the forums. So when you see lots of negative posts, don't start assuming things will go bad for you as well.

- The USCIS is there to help. I know this sounds strange and you might disagree but remember they are setup and want to accept new people not reject them. I know the process is slow and cumbersome and could use lots of improvements but keeping the attitude that USCIS personnel are there to help will make your life easier

- Use the InfoPass whenever in doubt. The 800 number is not very reliable and they are not expected to answer all the questions they get. Keep on top of things and get an InfoPass to your DO if you feel there is a glitch. You have to absoutely stay on top of things.

Remember to keep all possible documentation and be prepared to answer questions. Look at posts elsewhere on this forum. Good luck to all who are waiting! It's a wonderful feeling to be done and well worth the wait...
Finally a word of thanks to the keepers of this forum and to those who take the time to answer questions like FlyDog, JohnnyCash.
Click to expand...

It is easy to say these things when everything went well. Take my case, very straight forward one, no issues. My husband and me applied same time, his was done, but mine they have to consolidate files and it is more than 130 days after the interview, still no decision made yet, 3 infopasses, same reply we didnot get the files. Contacted congressman, same reply it may take upto 240 days. Contacted sennator, still no reply. DO you think USCIS is helping me?? The files are at national records center, they know where they are and still couldnot get them... I am penalized for no fault me... it is so frustrating, giving pessimic thoughts for my all my plans etc.. I am waiting very impatiently. Ya the 1 800 is just an eye wash. They just tell you what is there in the file.. The infopass, they don't help you.. just tell you what is on the computer, do you call it HELP? or INFORMATION?

Congratulations on your citizenship..Enjoy.
 
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