Talked to a jerk yesterday

cchong

Registered Users (C)
I called the USCIS yesterday and requested to speak to an officer for clarification and guidance on when we should apply for a new RTD. Surprisingly, Amanda, a very nice representive, actually transferred me to speak to an officer.

I was transferred to an officer (at least she said she is an officer). I told her I have a pending case, but I just wanted to ask for guidance on when I should submit my I-131 application in the future to avoid delay. I told her the wait time used to be 30-40 days, but now it is talking 6 months. She said she never heard about processing time for I-131 was only one month. And she said there is no delay. 6 months of processing time is normal. Then she said as guidance, I should apply a new RTD a year in advance. Yes, she said a year. I told her that the document is only valid for a year and I need to surrender my RTD at the time I submit my I-131 application. She changed her answer and said 6 months in advance.

Here is the good part. She asked me how many time do you want to travel? Then she continued and said the US does not like refugee to travel. (I assume Refugee and Asylee mean the same thing to her). They should just simply stay in this country. Travel one a year is more than they like. I said to her this does not make any sense. She replied I am not going to argue with you. I told her I am not urging with you. I think her answer was outrageous.

Finally, I had enough from her. I asked for her officer number. She said to me that they do not have officer number, but she can give me her name. After she provided me with her name, her attitude suddenly changed.

She asked me my pending case receipt number to see if she can help. A minute later, she came back to me and said she wish she can help, but she suggested that I write to the director at the NSC if need to expedite my case. She provided me with the director name and the mailing address. Then she said she does not understand why everything takes so long to process. She wishes she can help. I was thinking oh yes! What a lie. (the last few minutes of our conversation, she mentioned so many times of Mr. Chong this and Mr. Chong that). I should have asked her to tell her Big Boss (Eduardo Aguirre, the director of USCIS, was a cuban refugee) that the US don’t like refugee to travel.

This is a story that tells how incompetent some people are.
 
Chong,

Please share with the forum members information that was given to you regarding expediation request for a pending application.

I just wish that they make RTD valid for atleast two years. If RTD is valid for two years then that will drop the number of requests for new RTD every year from most of us. Which should in theory reduce the backlog that has been created. The only factor I can see as a negative for the Nebraska is that RTD application fee must be a major source of revenue and by extending RTD life they may loose that revenue. I would have no issue with paying twice as much for RTD only if it is valid for two years.


Regards,
 
Originally posted by RAsylee
Chong,

Please share with the forum members information that was given to you regarding expediation request for a pending application.

I just wish that they make RTD valid for atleast two years. If RTD is valid for two years then that will drop the number of requests for new RTD every year from most of us. Which should in theory reduce the backlog that has been created. The only factor I can see as a negative for the Nebraska is that RTD application fee must be a major source of revenue and by extending RTD life they may loose that revenue. I would have no issue with paying twice as much for RTD only if it is valid for two years.


Regards,

RAsylee,

The officer just ask me to send my expedite request to Terry E. way, the director at the NSC, and provided me with the address. It was the same mailing address for our I-131 applciation.

The only extra info was she asked me to attach a copy of my plane ticket. She also asked me to explain why my case should be expediate. There is nothng new about. I think this is a common sense. The only piece of useful data is the person I should direct to.

In general, the conversation was useless. I wish I have more info. I have written my expedite letter, but I have decided to wait until next month to send it out. I believe if I send in my expediate request too soon, there is no reason to believe my request will be granted.
 
It seems to me like the IIO you spoke to is a blunt speaker. I think it's true that policy makers do not want refugee/asylees to travel too frequently abroad. But it's not an official policy stated in the INA and neither is the IIO you spoke to is an official spokes person for the USCIS.

If you're really offended by what she said you can of course file a complaint but it's not gonna expedite your I-131 case.

Search in the old posts. Some asylees found websites of third party private firms claiming they can help expedite I-131 cases for a fee. I've never used them or even applied for an I-131 since my asylum status was granted so I can't vouch for the credibility of these third party firms. You can also write to your local US Congressman or Senator and ask for their assistance with your case. They're more likely to help if it's a humanitarian reason like the need to visit a dying parent or an immediate family member.

It took me 5.5 yrs to get my GC and during that time I had unfortunate dealings with rude immigration staff (security guards to IIOs)

Good Luck
 
Originally posted by JackIsBack
It seems to me like the IIO you spoke to is a blunt speaker. I think it's true that policy makers do not want refugee/asylees to travel too frequently abroad. But it's not an official policy stated in the INA and neither is the IIO you spoke to is an official spokes person for the USCIS.

If you're really offended by what she said you can of course file a complaint but it's not gonna expedite your I-131 case.

Search in the old posts. Some asylees found websites of third party private firms claiming they can help expedite I-131 cases for a fee. I've never used them or even applied for an I-131 since my asylum status was granted so I can't vouch for the credibility of these third party firms. You can also write to your local US Congressman or Senator and ask for their assistance with your case. They're more likely to help if it's a humanitarian reason like the need to visit a dying parent or an immediate family member.

It took me 5.5 yrs to get my GC and during that time I had unfortunate dealings with rude immigration staff (security guards to IIOs)

Good Luck
you can expedite your RTD by simply sending a letter to the nebraska service center asking them to expedite your application. that is what i did and it worked for me
 
This expedition letter is a hit or miss. I know a person who is of same background and shares the same asylum status as I have. His expidition request was granted and mine is still pending. We both followed the same format and mailed to the same address.
Requesting expedition was simmilar grounds (health state of a family member which was supported by the doctor letters)
He got his RTD within two weeks and I am still waiting....

Regards,
 
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