coopheal
11-26 03:11 PM
I am contributing $100 monthly. I will contribute additional $100 for the rally.
We are expecting our baby in March end so will not be able to come to DC.
We are expecting our baby in March end so will not be able to come to DC.
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BharatPremi
07-11 11:18 PM
Thanks to the person who posted the link to the Ombundsman report earlier - this is beginning to make sense now.
USCIS Ombundsman report from JUNE 2007 says:
"For example, when employment-based visas are not used during the year they are authorized, they are lost and are not available for future use without special legislation. In FY 06, over 10,000 employment-based visas were lost, even though USCIS had an estimated 100,000 to 150,000 pending applications for employment-based green cards.36 - Based on USCIS use of visa numbers as of May 2007, at present consumption rates approximately 40,000 visas will be lost in FY 07 without a dramatic increase in USCIS requests of visa numbers.37
- As illustrated below, since 1994 there have been over 218,000 un-recaptured employment-based visas lost due to underutilization of the employment-based visas."
Dept of State: Sees visa numbers not being used, chances of visas going unutilized/unused/wasted/lost again this year. Makes July visa bulletin CURRENT for all countries & categories.
USCIS: Scrambles to approve as many visas as possible to 1) Prove they're working hard, in light of the Ombundsman Report from June 2) Save themselves from the avalanche of I-485s, EADs and AP filings in June, knowing 3) Filing fees go up like crazy on 30th July.
End Result: More visa numbers requested (but they didn't complete issuing all of them, even over the weekend).
As things stand, if they approved stuff on 1st July, it means visa numbers were in fact available on 1st July.
If they approved without completing FBI check - that's going to raise a stink and isn't entirely legal anyways.
If they *still had visa numbers available on July 2* - request from DoS but not approved, they're in bigger trouble, imho.
Anybody thinks the above makes sense?
jazz
When you were Jazzing, everybody already spent time to know this...a month ago.. Anyway welcome to the party... "Der se aye Durast Aye... welcome :) :)
USCIS Ombundsman report from JUNE 2007 says:
"For example, when employment-based visas are not used during the year they are authorized, they are lost and are not available for future use without special legislation. In FY 06, over 10,000 employment-based visas were lost, even though USCIS had an estimated 100,000 to 150,000 pending applications for employment-based green cards.36 - Based on USCIS use of visa numbers as of May 2007, at present consumption rates approximately 40,000 visas will be lost in FY 07 without a dramatic increase in USCIS requests of visa numbers.37
- As illustrated below, since 1994 there have been over 218,000 un-recaptured employment-based visas lost due to underutilization of the employment-based visas."
Dept of State: Sees visa numbers not being used, chances of visas going unutilized/unused/wasted/lost again this year. Makes July visa bulletin CURRENT for all countries & categories.
USCIS: Scrambles to approve as many visas as possible to 1) Prove they're working hard, in light of the Ombundsman Report from June 2) Save themselves from the avalanche of I-485s, EADs and AP filings in June, knowing 3) Filing fees go up like crazy on 30th July.
End Result: More visa numbers requested (but they didn't complete issuing all of them, even over the weekend).
As things stand, if they approved stuff on 1st July, it means visa numbers were in fact available on 1st July.
If they approved without completing FBI check - that's going to raise a stink and isn't entirely legal anyways.
If they *still had visa numbers available on July 2* - request from DoS but not approved, they're in bigger trouble, imho.
Anybody thinks the above makes sense?
jazz
When you were Jazzing, everybody already spent time to know this...a month ago.. Anyway welcome to the party... "Der se aye Durast Aye... welcome :) :)
leoindiano
08-03 12:23 PM
I have the notice of action for my I-140 approval. It doesn't mention an A# anywhere. Are you sure about this?
There should be a box for A number, is it blank?
There should be a box for A number, is it blank?
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dollar500
08-09 09:04 PM
This bill is mostly for aviation safety. It doesn't necessarily applies to immigrants who are applying for permanent residency.
more...
desi3933
02-18 06:21 PM
Are guys nut? Don't you want to watch your child grow?! :confused:
Given your situation, you guys will be staying away from kid for a decade or more. Once your wife delivers the baby in India, file for a baby's green card. For tentative dates on family reunion, please refer family based 2nd preferences at http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/bulletin/bulletin_4428.html - lighter note these dates or tentative only not written in stone :D
If I were you, I would not allow your wife to give birth in India and miss watching the child grow.
wandmaker -
Child will be GC holder by birth, if both parents are GC holders. Child must make a trip to US before he/she turns two and trip must be with mother.
Child will, of course, need passport. But no visa.
This is one of the few exceptions when person does not need visa to travel.
Hope it helps.
_________________
Not a legal advise.
Given your situation, you guys will be staying away from kid for a decade or more. Once your wife delivers the baby in India, file for a baby's green card. For tentative dates on family reunion, please refer family based 2nd preferences at http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/bulletin/bulletin_4428.html - lighter note these dates or tentative only not written in stone :D
If I were you, I would not allow your wife to give birth in India and miss watching the child grow.
wandmaker -
Child will be GC holder by birth, if both parents are GC holders. Child must make a trip to US before he/she turns two and trip must be with mother.
Child will, of course, need passport. But no visa.
This is one of the few exceptions when person does not need visa to travel.
Hope it helps.
_________________
Not a legal advise.
dilbert_cal
04-15 12:04 PM
If your employer remains the same , the job remains the same and the job location is only changing by 8 miles, you have nothing to worry about. It will NOT cause any issues.
Btw - Did you talk with your company lawyer and/or your manager about this ? What is their opinion.
ps :- You have two threads - please delete one of them or edit the post so that two threads do not go in parallel.
Btw - Did you talk with your company lawyer and/or your manager about this ? What is their opinion.
ps :- You have two threads - please delete one of them or edit the post so that two threads do not go in parallel.
more...
chessboard
12-08 03:14 AM
congratulation to all winner... especially to winner who use the "stargate" background and put the text only...
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GCD
07-27 10:07 PM
My lawyer filed the I-485, EAD and AP package for me and my wife. She put a G-28 notice for each application (with our and her signatures). She missed signing the AP G-28 for my wife. I asked her about this. She said it should be fine. They would not consider her notice of representation for this particular case, and would mail the AP approval directly at our home address.
I hope we are fine and our application doesn't get rejected since we had one check for all the applications.
Please reply. Thanks a lot.
Gurus. Please reply. Thanks a lot.
I hope we are fine and our application doesn't get rejected since we had one check for all the applications.
Please reply. Thanks a lot.
Gurus. Please reply. Thanks a lot.
more...
skd043000
02-09 08:46 PM
what is NCR Region???
Delhi-noida-gurgaon-etc area
Delhi-noida-gurgaon-etc area
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sameer2730
02-06 05:00 PM
Is H1B stamping subject to the same name checks as in the home country ? Since I have heard people get stuck for long times in these checks, what happens in similar situations when stamping is done in Canada.
more...
permfiling
01-22 01:30 PM
^^^^^
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arihant
05-23 06:54 AM
As many of you have been following, there are some provisions that benefit folks with advanced degree in STEM from US universities by exempting them from the Visa quota. I think CIR in its current form has a provision and the Cornyn (4005) and the Brownback (4058) ammendments that are yet to be introduced also have some such provisions.
My question is, will people who qualify under this category still have to clear labor? If so, then those of us who are stuck in BEC can only wait and watch while those who have cleared using PERM will go ahead. We could transfer from BEC to PERM but this is not as easy as it sounds. We could also apply fresh in PERM (as retrogression will not apply, hence PD will not matter) but this is also not as easy as it sounds for folks who are in 7th year or greater in H1B.
Any thoughts or comments?
My question is, will people who qualify under this category still have to clear labor? If so, then those of us who are stuck in BEC can only wait and watch while those who have cleared using PERM will go ahead. We could transfer from BEC to PERM but this is not as easy as it sounds. We could also apply fresh in PERM (as retrogression will not apply, hence PD will not matter) but this is also not as easy as it sounds for folks who are in 7th year or greater in H1B.
Any thoughts or comments?
more...
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pbojja
05-22 11:46 AM
Why not let people apply 485/140 concurrently even if their PDs are not current?.
All of us who were stuck know what a relief it is to have EAD in hand. Also non-IT spouses can work if they get their EAD.
Not that everybody would listen but I would say that it will be good if they allow concurrent filing even if the PD is not current and process the cases when PD becomes current.
I Agree with you , But again if they allow concurent filling ROW will get preference over us as they will be current most of the time .
I think it would be best if they allow us to apply for 485 regardless of priority date once 140 is approved .
140 may take a year but atleast you know you can file 485 in a year , with priority date rule you never know when you can apply
All of us who were stuck know what a relief it is to have EAD in hand. Also non-IT spouses can work if they get their EAD.
Not that everybody would listen but I would say that it will be good if they allow concurrent filing even if the PD is not current and process the cases when PD becomes current.
I Agree with you , But again if they allow concurent filling ROW will get preference over us as they will be current most of the time .
I think it would be best if they allow us to apply for 485 regardless of priority date once 140 is approved .
140 may take a year but atleast you know you can file 485 in a year , with priority date rule you never know when you can apply
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chanduv23
03-26 08:16 PM
It is totally upto you for taking up the job. But working without getting paid means you are giving in to exploitation.
But then, a lot of people, in their early stages of their career can do small sacrifices to learn the skill.
The only issue would be that your consulting company would be charging a heft sum to the client and pay you nothing.
Remember, legally you are not supposed while on h4.
But then, a lot of people, in their early stages of their career can do small sacrifices to learn the skill.
The only issue would be that your consulting company would be charging a heft sum to the client and pay you nothing.
Remember, legally you are not supposed while on h4.
more...
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ocpmachine
06-10 03:08 PM
Help!
Took TST last week, positive (16mm), X-ray negative, civil surgeon marked "Class B, Latent TB Infection" on I-693, and gave me a notes saying that since May 2008, TST>10 will be marked with LTBI, and advised me to go to Health Department.
Same as many of you guys, had taken vaccines when young. Have been in US for 11 years. Pretty sure I don't have TB. What should I do? Does LTBI affect 485 approval? How about AP/EAD? Will USCIS ask for evidence of TB treatment?
Thank you very much!
We just got our medical envelope for me and my wife from the doctor, we both had TST reaction of 10mm and 18mm, chest x-ray came out normal...doctor marked both of us Latent Class TB(LTB1)...i would not worry about this, Latent TB is not infectous and recommended(not required) to undergo treatment. I am going to sit tight, not taking any medication as i heard the medication is a strong antibiotic which has more side effects(esp in women) and does more damage(to liver) than cure. If on medication, you are also required to take a test every 2 months to check if your liver can take medications for following months. Ofcourse, even after taking medication for 9 months, you cannot guarantee future TST test will result -ve due to BCG vaccine history.
If i get an RFE at a later time, i will goto my PCP, start medication(which i will discard) and get a letter saying in am on medication just for paper work sake, i refuse to take the medicine when x-ray is clear.
Read here:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dq/civil_tb_ti_2008.htm
Here is the snippet from CDC.gov for TB:
16. What is Class B�Latent TB Infection Needing Evaluation for Treatment (LTBI)?
A TST reaction of 10 mm or more of induration, and a history of recent arrival (within the last 5 years) in the United States from a high-prevalence country.
And
No evidence of active TB disease.
17. Should Part 3 of Form I-693 be completed when the civil surgeon is referring the applicant for evaluation for treatment of Latent TB Infection (LTBI)?
The 2008 TB TIs recommend that civil surgeons refer applicants with �Class B�Latent TB Infection Needing Evaluation for Treatment (LTBI)� to the TB Control Program of the local health department. The referral for evaluation for treatment of LTBI is recommended, not required. Part 3 of Form I-693 should be used only for required referrals, therefore the civil surgeon should not complete Part 3 of Form I-693 when making this referral. It follows that the health department is not required to complete Part 4 of Form I-693 after evaluation for treatment of LTBI is completed or after treatment for LTBI is completed. Please see question 18 for related information.
21. Can the civil surgeon medically clear the applicant for TB even if the applicant is going to receive treatment for latent TB Infection (LTBI)?
Yes. Referral for treatment and/or completion of treatment for LTBI is not required for the civil surgeon to sign the I-693 form. As regards TB, the signature indicates the applicant is free of Class A pulmonary TB disease.
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor or an attorney, Please consult doctor or an attorney for expert advice.
Took TST last week, positive (16mm), X-ray negative, civil surgeon marked "Class B, Latent TB Infection" on I-693, and gave me a notes saying that since May 2008, TST>10 will be marked with LTBI, and advised me to go to Health Department.
Same as many of you guys, had taken vaccines when young. Have been in US for 11 years. Pretty sure I don't have TB. What should I do? Does LTBI affect 485 approval? How about AP/EAD? Will USCIS ask for evidence of TB treatment?
Thank you very much!
We just got our medical envelope for me and my wife from the doctor, we both had TST reaction of 10mm and 18mm, chest x-ray came out normal...doctor marked both of us Latent Class TB(LTB1)...i would not worry about this, Latent TB is not infectous and recommended(not required) to undergo treatment. I am going to sit tight, not taking any medication as i heard the medication is a strong antibiotic which has more side effects(esp in women) and does more damage(to liver) than cure. If on medication, you are also required to take a test every 2 months to check if your liver can take medications for following months. Ofcourse, even after taking medication for 9 months, you cannot guarantee future TST test will result -ve due to BCG vaccine history.
If i get an RFE at a later time, i will goto my PCP, start medication(which i will discard) and get a letter saying in am on medication just for paper work sake, i refuse to take the medicine when x-ray is clear.
Read here:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dq/civil_tb_ti_2008.htm
Here is the snippet from CDC.gov for TB:
16. What is Class B�Latent TB Infection Needing Evaluation for Treatment (LTBI)?
A TST reaction of 10 mm or more of induration, and a history of recent arrival (within the last 5 years) in the United States from a high-prevalence country.
And
No evidence of active TB disease.
17. Should Part 3 of Form I-693 be completed when the civil surgeon is referring the applicant for evaluation for treatment of Latent TB Infection (LTBI)?
The 2008 TB TIs recommend that civil surgeons refer applicants with �Class B�Latent TB Infection Needing Evaluation for Treatment (LTBI)� to the TB Control Program of the local health department. The referral for evaluation for treatment of LTBI is recommended, not required. Part 3 of Form I-693 should be used only for required referrals, therefore the civil surgeon should not complete Part 3 of Form I-693 when making this referral. It follows that the health department is not required to complete Part 4 of Form I-693 after evaluation for treatment of LTBI is completed or after treatment for LTBI is completed. Please see question 18 for related information.
21. Can the civil surgeon medically clear the applicant for TB even if the applicant is going to receive treatment for latent TB Infection (LTBI)?
Yes. Referral for treatment and/or completion of treatment for LTBI is not required for the civil surgeon to sign the I-693 form. As regards TB, the signature indicates the applicant is free of Class A pulmonary TB disease.
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor or an attorney, Please consult doctor or an attorney for expert advice.
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cygent
06-11 07:19 PM
Based on this situation, if Company does not revoke your I-140, but closes it's doors, what happens? Does that preclude that the 140 is null void?
You are now working for Company B with 3yr H1-B, and porting the old PD.
Does anybody know?
You are now working for Company B with 3yr H1-B, and porting the old PD.
Does anybody know?
more...
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ash27
06-07 12:32 AM
Thanks Chandu! Reasons to relocate are family and weather. At this point, I've a decent job in Chicago. Do you think this may be the right time to relocate to an Atlanta area given the economic climate....Also, how r the overall job prospects..
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piyu7444
04-01 02:45 PM
CantLeaveAmerica
The officer asked several questions
Where do I work
What is my job title
Am I married
Do I have Kids
What is my current address and proof of it.
What is my wedding date
Hav I travelled out of USA from last entry
Did I ever get any money in form of help from Immigration
Checked my pay chq (current) and w-2 for 2007.
Asked for Employment verification letter
Asked to show I 94 card
Asked all the questions which I guess are on the 485 form, the questions are generally not relevant to people like us: Examples are below
Do I have any illegal kids (hahaha)
Was I ever involved with any terrorist org
Have I ever tried to being in ilegals to USA
Have I ever worked as a Prostitute (lol)
In particular the only question which surprised me was when I was asked to descirbe what my job responsibilities are....I was prepared for it and the officer was matching it with the job description used for my PERM
The officer was very nice and helpful. I got done in like 20-25 min and she said that the case is approvable. We just need to wait for the Visa #.
Hope this helps people out here........Good Luck ALL.
The officer asked several questions
Where do I work
What is my job title
Am I married
Do I have Kids
What is my current address and proof of it.
What is my wedding date
Hav I travelled out of USA from last entry
Did I ever get any money in form of help from Immigration
Checked my pay chq (current) and w-2 for 2007.
Asked for Employment verification letter
Asked to show I 94 card
Asked all the questions which I guess are on the 485 form, the questions are generally not relevant to people like us: Examples are below
Do I have any illegal kids (hahaha)
Was I ever involved with any terrorist org
Have I ever tried to being in ilegals to USA
Have I ever worked as a Prostitute (lol)
In particular the only question which surprised me was when I was asked to descirbe what my job responsibilities are....I was prepared for it and the officer was matching it with the job description used for my PERM
The officer was very nice and helpful. I got done in like 20-25 min and she said that the case is approvable. We just need to wait for the Visa #.
Hope this helps people out here........Good Luck ALL.
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HeeKwan
02-01 08:44 PM
Congrats
logiclife
01-05 05:07 PM
As of yesterday, there was a collection of $5000. We need much more than that.
The details of contributions and fund-raising can be found at the "Why Contribute" link of the home page.
http://www.immigrationvoice.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=26&Itemid=25
Everything here is transparent. Please sign up as volunteer so we can have you more involved besides receiving money. That will also build your trust and in return your volunteer work will help everyone too.
logiclife.
The details of contributions and fund-raising can be found at the "Why Contribute" link of the home page.
http://www.immigrationvoice.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=26&Itemid=25
Everything here is transparent. Please sign up as volunteer so we can have you more involved besides receiving money. That will also build your trust and in return your volunteer work will help everyone too.
logiclife.
pappu
03-17 03:55 PM
http://www.dhs.gov/xabout/structure/gc_1294871282792.shtm
Teleconference Recap: FOIA: How Is It Working For You?
On December 6, 2010, the Ombudsman's Office hosted a public teleconference on "FOIA: How Is It Working for You?" where the Ombudsman's Office interviewed Terry Sloan, Acting Center Director, National Records Center and Jill Eggleston, the Assistant Center Director ofFreedom of Information Act (FOIA) Operations for the National Records Center at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Inquiries to the Ombudsman's Office have identified FOIA requests as an area where the public continues to experience frustration in relation to citizenship and immigration services. Please direct any inquiries related to the topics raised in this teleconference to Margaret Gleason, Senior Advisor to the Ombudsman, at margaret.gleason@dhs.gov. If you have a concern with your USCIS FOIA request and have been unable to resolve the issue with USCIS, the Ombudsman's Office may be able to help.
Freedom of Information Act
Under the FOIA statute, "any person" may request documents from a U.S. government agency. This applies to both U.S. citizens and to citizens of foreign countries. The law allows 20 business days for response to a FOIA request. USCIS has been unable to make that deadline to date, although processing has improved in the past few years. Agencies may withhold information from a FOIA requester under certain exemptions. The law does not allow an agency to withhold information for other reasons, such as possible embarrassment to the agency.
USCIS Processing of FOIA Requests
USCIS FOIA processing is consolidated at the National Records Center (NRC). Prior to 2005, FOIA requests were decentralized, and could be handled on the local level by USCIS. In FY 2006, USCIS had a backlog of more than 88,000 FOIA requests. Jill Eggleston reported in the teleconference that in FY 2010 the backlog was down to 8,000 cases.
There are currently 120 NRC employees, with 30 more new employees authorized for hiring in 2011. Ms. Eggleston informed teleconference participants that current USCIS processing times for FOIA requests vary according to the type of request and that USCIS sorts FOIA requests into three separate tracks. Ms Eggleston also noted the processing time for each type of request.
* Track One FOIA Requests, or simple document requests, are those that request only a specific document, such as a copy of a particular immigration petition.
Processing time: 43 working days
* Track Two FOIA Requests are those where an entire file is requested.
Processing time: 34 working days
* Track Three FOIA Requests are those requests where the individual has a pending hearing scheduled before the Immigration Court.
Processing time: 59 working days
In the FOIA Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2009, the processing times published for USCIS show an average processing time of 215 business days for Track One FOIA requests, 344 business days for Track Two FOIA requests, and an average of 60 business days for Track Three FOIA Requests.
USCIS FOIA Process
As stated on the teleconference, FOIA requests to USCIS can be made with a Form G-639 (PDF - 2 pages, 100 KB) or by written request submitted by mail to USCIS NRC, P.O. Box 648010, Lee's Summit, Mo. 64064-8010; or by fax to 816-350-5785. Most FOIA requests are free, but if fees exceed $25, the requester will be notified in advance of such a charge. Ms. Eggleston stated that a web-based request system would be established in the near future and will be rolled out in two phases: Phase One will be for media requests, while Phase Two will be for all other requests. Currently, the status of a FOIA request can be checked with an NRC receipt number through the FOIA link on USCIS Home Page (http://www.uscis.gov).
Appeals of USCIS FOIA denials or material withheld under FOIA exemptions may be filed to USCIS FOIA Appeals, 150 Space Center Loop, Lee's Summit, Mo. 64064-2139.
As noted in the teleconference, more information on filing FOIA requests with other Department of Homeland Security components, such as U.S. Customs and Border Protection or U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, is available at DHS | Freedom of Information Act & Privacy Act (http://www.dhs.gov/foia).
Expedite Criteria
By regulation, there are narrow expedite criteria that may allow a requester priority to receive a FOIA response. Expedites will only be granted for cases that present an imminent threat to life or safety requiring the FOIA response, or where there is an urgency to inform the public.
Overall, FOIA requests are handled on a first-come, first-served basis, which is only differentiated based on the three tracks described above, or the occasional expedite case.
Teleconference Questions
In response to questions from callers on the teleconference, Ms. Eggleston stated that certain information is required with a FOIA request to verify identity including name, address, date of birth, and place of birth. Without this information, a FOIA request is incomplete. If information in a file is incorrect, a Form G-639 (PDF - 2 pages, 100 KB) can be used to correct information under the Privacy Act. Another caller asked if USCIS could retrieve an envelope with a postmark from a particular file under FOIA. This documentation might be needed to support an application for adjustment of status under . Ms. Eggleston stated that there is a separate receipt file where payments to USCIS are recorded. If a receipt is requested, the FOIA request should specify that the NRC should search the alien's receipt file.
If records are requested on behalf of a child, Ms. Eggleston stated that names of parents will be requested, and USCIS may ask for proof of parent or guardian relationship before sending information to that party.
Ms. Eggleston said that sometimes in denying FOIA requests for persons with final removal orders, USCIS invokes the 'fugitive disentitlement doctrine' under Meddah v. Reno, No. 98-1444, (E.D. Pa. Dec. 8, 1998). She also said that her office may refer such FOIA requests to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE
Teleconference Recap: FOIA: How Is It Working For You?
On December 6, 2010, the Ombudsman's Office hosted a public teleconference on "FOIA: How Is It Working for You?" where the Ombudsman's Office interviewed Terry Sloan, Acting Center Director, National Records Center and Jill Eggleston, the Assistant Center Director ofFreedom of Information Act (FOIA) Operations for the National Records Center at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Inquiries to the Ombudsman's Office have identified FOIA requests as an area where the public continues to experience frustration in relation to citizenship and immigration services. Please direct any inquiries related to the topics raised in this teleconference to Margaret Gleason, Senior Advisor to the Ombudsman, at margaret.gleason@dhs.gov. If you have a concern with your USCIS FOIA request and have been unable to resolve the issue with USCIS, the Ombudsman's Office may be able to help.
Freedom of Information Act
Under the FOIA statute, "any person" may request documents from a U.S. government agency. This applies to both U.S. citizens and to citizens of foreign countries. The law allows 20 business days for response to a FOIA request. USCIS has been unable to make that deadline to date, although processing has improved in the past few years. Agencies may withhold information from a FOIA requester under certain exemptions. The law does not allow an agency to withhold information for other reasons, such as possible embarrassment to the agency.
USCIS Processing of FOIA Requests
USCIS FOIA processing is consolidated at the National Records Center (NRC). Prior to 2005, FOIA requests were decentralized, and could be handled on the local level by USCIS. In FY 2006, USCIS had a backlog of more than 88,000 FOIA requests. Jill Eggleston reported in the teleconference that in FY 2010 the backlog was down to 8,000 cases.
There are currently 120 NRC employees, with 30 more new employees authorized for hiring in 2011. Ms. Eggleston informed teleconference participants that current USCIS processing times for FOIA requests vary according to the type of request and that USCIS sorts FOIA requests into three separate tracks. Ms Eggleston also noted the processing time for each type of request.
* Track One FOIA Requests, or simple document requests, are those that request only a specific document, such as a copy of a particular immigration petition.
Processing time: 43 working days
* Track Two FOIA Requests are those where an entire file is requested.
Processing time: 34 working days
* Track Three FOIA Requests are those requests where the individual has a pending hearing scheduled before the Immigration Court.
Processing time: 59 working days
In the FOIA Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2009, the processing times published for USCIS show an average processing time of 215 business days for Track One FOIA requests, 344 business days for Track Two FOIA requests, and an average of 60 business days for Track Three FOIA Requests.
USCIS FOIA Process
As stated on the teleconference, FOIA requests to USCIS can be made with a Form G-639 (PDF - 2 pages, 100 KB) or by written request submitted by mail to USCIS NRC, P.O. Box 648010, Lee's Summit, Mo. 64064-8010; or by fax to 816-350-5785. Most FOIA requests are free, but if fees exceed $25, the requester will be notified in advance of such a charge. Ms. Eggleston stated that a web-based request system would be established in the near future and will be rolled out in two phases: Phase One will be for media requests, while Phase Two will be for all other requests. Currently, the status of a FOIA request can be checked with an NRC receipt number through the FOIA link on USCIS Home Page (http://www.uscis.gov).
Appeals of USCIS FOIA denials or material withheld under FOIA exemptions may be filed to USCIS FOIA Appeals, 150 Space Center Loop, Lee's Summit, Mo. 64064-2139.
As noted in the teleconference, more information on filing FOIA requests with other Department of Homeland Security components, such as U.S. Customs and Border Protection or U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, is available at DHS | Freedom of Information Act & Privacy Act (http://www.dhs.gov/foia).
Expedite Criteria
By regulation, there are narrow expedite criteria that may allow a requester priority to receive a FOIA response. Expedites will only be granted for cases that present an imminent threat to life or safety requiring the FOIA response, or where there is an urgency to inform the public.
Overall, FOIA requests are handled on a first-come, first-served basis, which is only differentiated based on the three tracks described above, or the occasional expedite case.
Teleconference Questions
In response to questions from callers on the teleconference, Ms. Eggleston stated that certain information is required with a FOIA request to verify identity including name, address, date of birth, and place of birth. Without this information, a FOIA request is incomplete. If information in a file is incorrect, a Form G-639 (PDF - 2 pages, 100 KB) can be used to correct information under the Privacy Act. Another caller asked if USCIS could retrieve an envelope with a postmark from a particular file under FOIA. This documentation might be needed to support an application for adjustment of status under . Ms. Eggleston stated that there is a separate receipt file where payments to USCIS are recorded. If a receipt is requested, the FOIA request should specify that the NRC should search the alien's receipt file.
If records are requested on behalf of a child, Ms. Eggleston stated that names of parents will be requested, and USCIS may ask for proof of parent or guardian relationship before sending information to that party.
Ms. Eggleston said that sometimes in denying FOIA requests for persons with final removal orders, USCIS invokes the 'fugitive disentitlement doctrine' under Meddah v. Reno, No. 98-1444, (E.D. Pa. Dec. 8, 1998). She also said that her office may refer such FOIA requests to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE
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