Letters from federal agencies/employees to USCIS

A

a_b

Registered Users (C)
I got a RFE and need to reply soon. I read in this forum in another thread that 18 USC § 205 does not allow a federal agency or employee to write a letter in favor of my immigration.

http://ethics.od.nih.gov/topics/visa-ltr.htm

My work helps the National Archives and i know a letter from them will be a good one. How do we handle this situation? Any suggestions? Can they write a letter just mentioning that my works helps them (without even mentioning about me - if that is done will it be useful in USCIS)?

Thanks.
 
Not all people who work for such establishment fall under this clause. You can ask them - if they arent allowed they will say so.
 
I was able to get letters from 3 different federal labs - 5 people in all...Yes, they are not allowed to write one - but they can always write a "personal professional opinion" - which means they wont print in on a letter head, but otherwise it will be the same.

When i first asked one guy, he was hesitant - i convinced him by showing him another letter written by his colleague for another applicant...that way, he became comfortable with writing one.

In fact, one senior guy, who is close to retirement, printed it on a government letter head saying he could not care less about such rule...so, try senior people or even ones just retired.
 
Although not applicable in this case, a general information for everyone: National lab scientist doesnt mean he/she is a federal worker. I know this as I work at one and none of us are federal employees. National labs are something called GOCO. So they are allowed to write these letters on their letterheads.

Also, madmonkey hit it right on - they can alsways give a personal professional opinion.
 
Thanks - (again no letter head)

Thanks folks for sharing your opinion and experiences- i need it.

Would letters with no letter head ("personal professional opinion") have any weight or consideration at the adjudicator?

Reason i ask is that most of the letters i had before the RFE are of this format. Its difficult for most of my referees at federal agencies to write it on a letter head. Now the adjudicator comes up with this RFE, asking for "peer approval" and more evidence.

So i am little confused if "personal professional opinion" is ok.

Cheers.
 
I have one letter like that with my NIW petition (not adjudicated yet). Other lawyers (not mine) also said that letters do not need to be on letterhead, but the writer should enclose a biosketch or CV with the letter.

What exactly did your RFE request? What did they mean by "peer approval"? Did they request anything else?
 
a_b can you please your credentials and update your signature to reflect the dates and category etc. like JK? That would be of help to forum members - like how we are helping you.
Also, can you please say whether you used an attorney?
thank you.
 
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