Update from the Vermont Service Center (04-30-2002) [Top]
The Vermont Service Center (VSC) has recently advised of a change in practice. Note that these changes may be applicable to the other Service Centers.
Security Checks. The VSC has indicated that all files must now undergo a security check. As of April 17, 2002, the VSC had approximately 40,000 cases that required the security clearance before a final decision could be rendered. This may have a substantial impact on adjudications, possibly resulting in at least an additional month before approval notices are sent out. Requests for evidence (RFEs) will continue to be processed. It is the final adjudication that is being delayed.
Premium processing cases will be adjudicated within 15 days, but in the event there is a "hit" on the security check, the case will then be sent to Investigations and the 15 day clock will stop until the investigation has been completed. The VSC intends to notify petitioners when the matter has been sent for further investigation.
Zero Tolerance. The INS has begun to institute a zero tolerance policy. This means that if people are out of status, adjudicators will not be exercising discretion to consider the status violation de minimis and grant the benefit being sought. There is tremendous pressure being brought to bear by the Administration, Congress, and INS itself to ensure that the present state of the law is being followed precisely.
http://www.lewslaw.com/US_Immigration_Updates.htm#04302002a
The Vermont Service Center (VSC) has recently advised of a change in practice. Note that these changes may be applicable to the other Service Centers.
Security Checks. The VSC has indicated that all files must now undergo a security check. As of April 17, 2002, the VSC had approximately 40,000 cases that required the security clearance before a final decision could be rendered. This may have a substantial impact on adjudications, possibly resulting in at least an additional month before approval notices are sent out. Requests for evidence (RFEs) will continue to be processed. It is the final adjudication that is being delayed.
Premium processing cases will be adjudicated within 15 days, but in the event there is a "hit" on the security check, the case will then be sent to Investigations and the 15 day clock will stop until the investigation has been completed. The VSC intends to notify petitioners when the matter has been sent for further investigation.
Zero Tolerance. The INS has begun to institute a zero tolerance policy. This means that if people are out of status, adjudicators will not be exercising discretion to consider the status violation de minimis and grant the benefit being sought. There is tremendous pressure being brought to bear by the Administration, Congress, and INS itself to ensure that the present state of the law is being followed precisely.
http://www.lewslaw.com/US_Immigration_Updates.htm#04302002a