poorslumdog
09-04 12:20 PM
Guys,
Here is the list of people who recently died in my village. Let us all pray for their soul to rest in peace. Please understand that when we can pray for YSR..we can do for these people also. Every life has the same value...dont you agree..
1. xxxxxxxxx
2. yyyyyyyyy
3. zzzzzzzzz
Please all do pray for the poor souls. From today onwords I will post all the dead people list in IV and let us all pray for them. Thanks for your support and prayer. Please let your freinds and family know about this and ask them to join in our prayer. Once again thanks guys.
You are more than welcome to give red dots.
Edited Note: I am really frustrated to see how you people interpreted this post. I am not from AP or any of those poor souls. In fact they do not even know who is YSR. They all died due natural cause and age. They are all more than eighty years old. I was trying to emphasis, in this forum we do not need to discuss about YSR. He might be a beloved leader for someone and corrupt for others. Whatever may be the case take your discussion to the relevant place. The reason I started this thread to emphasis that there are lot of people dying across the country and around the world and we do not need to hold prayer for every one or they poor souls are not different from YSR and they also deserve to be remembered in our prayers. But you highly educated folks did not understand that and gave more reds or am I not presenting it properly...?
Here is the list of people who recently died in my village. Let us all pray for their soul to rest in peace. Please understand that when we can pray for YSR..we can do for these people also. Every life has the same value...dont you agree..
1. xxxxxxxxx
2. yyyyyyyyy
3. zzzzzzzzz
Please all do pray for the poor souls. From today onwords I will post all the dead people list in IV and let us all pray for them. Thanks for your support and prayer. Please let your freinds and family know about this and ask them to join in our prayer. Once again thanks guys.
You are more than welcome to give red dots.
Edited Note: I am really frustrated to see how you people interpreted this post. I am not from AP or any of those poor souls. In fact they do not even know who is YSR. They all died due natural cause and age. They are all more than eighty years old. I was trying to emphasis, in this forum we do not need to discuss about YSR. He might be a beloved leader for someone and corrupt for others. Whatever may be the case take your discussion to the relevant place. The reason I started this thread to emphasis that there are lot of people dying across the country and around the world and we do not need to hold prayer for every one or they poor souls are not different from YSR and they also deserve to be remembered in our prayers. But you highly educated folks did not understand that and gave more reds or am I not presenting it properly...?
wallpaper In the stark lack-and-white
days_go_by
08-23 04:52 PM
in EB3, EB2 and EB1
--
140K visas in total,.8 and there is a 7% country ceiling (7 or 10% I am not sure), so apporx 9.8K visas per year max for a country.
And divide those numbers equally in Eb1, 2 and 3, and this includes spouse and children.
So, approx 4K primiary applicants (assuming that there are 1.5 dependents per primary applicant).
If the number of visas remain available (let's say Eb1 was not used up it tricles down to Eb2 then to Eb3) or rest of the world visas remain avialalble they can be given to retrogressed countries.
Also, previous year's unused visas were captured and used in 2005, that's why the actual number of visas given to Indians can vary every year.
But if all the coutries are retrogressed as now, then Indians would not gain any extra visas, restricting to 14K annual limit.
Please correct me if I am mistaken.
Regards,
dgb.
--
140K visas in total,.8 and there is a 7% country ceiling (7 or 10% I am not sure), so apporx 9.8K visas per year max for a country.
And divide those numbers equally in Eb1, 2 and 3, and this includes spouse and children.
So, approx 4K primiary applicants (assuming that there are 1.5 dependents per primary applicant).
If the number of visas remain available (let's say Eb1 was not used up it tricles down to Eb2 then to Eb3) or rest of the world visas remain avialalble they can be given to retrogressed countries.
Also, previous year's unused visas were captured and used in 2005, that's why the actual number of visas given to Indians can vary every year.
But if all the coutries are retrogressed as now, then Indians would not gain any extra visas, restricting to 14K annual limit.
Please correct me if I am mistaken.
Regards,
dgb.
arrarrgee
07-17 02:39 PM
I second that...Why should there be a link between his req and his contribution? If we are able to answer/clarify whatever doubt he has..probably he would see the value in continuing with the group and probably contribute too...else no first timers would ever wanna join us
can you please help me link the connection between my request and my contribution to IV? I fail to undersand your point!
can you please help me link the connection between my request and my contribution to IV? I fail to undersand your point!
2011 shot in lack and white,
WeShallOvercome
11-08 01:48 PM
I beg to differ - while your general premise is accurate, I know of at least half a dozen people who filed 485 in June 2007 and got appproved over the last two weeks from TX Service Center - I dont think Aug 2006 is a hard date - like many other things with USCIS - they have an irrational passion for NOT applying the FIFO principle and we are expected to digest this irrational passion of theirs with dispassionate rationality.
you are right... Almost everyone who has dealt with USCIS even once in his/her life time, knows that USCIS is the most unpredictable agency in the world...I was just explaining what the dates are 'supposed to mean' according to the rules.
We all know how religiously USCIS follows its own rules.
you are right... Almost everyone who has dealt with USCIS even once in his/her life time, knows that USCIS is the most unpredictable agency in the world...I was just explaining what the dates are 'supposed to mean' according to the rules.
We all know how religiously USCIS follows its own rules.
more...
akilaakka
10-05 08:04 AM
Recently a friend of mine hot has GC approved. He is EB2, PD Dec 2005.
Nothing makes sense.
Thanks
Senthil
Nothing makes sense.
Thanks
Senthil
bluez25
07-15 02:46 PM
My Priority date is Feb 1st 2006. I got my 140 approved some time in May 2006 and Here I am today..
more...
GCwaitforever
08-15 10:58 AM
I am from India having masters in engineering and i have 9 years IT experience. Ofcourse my Lawyer filed in EB3 (in 2003) thinking that PD will be current in future. Now i140 cleared in EB3 . What next? Since i am in consulting company i don't have any problem sticking to company. Only problem is maintaining status. As long as i am in job no problem. Who knows market will be like this. I am just re thinking to go for EB2 filing. But not sure how many were able to clear Eb2 in PERM.How much salary required ? (My company located in Detroit).
See this and if it helps you courtesy Murthy.com (http://murthy.com/news/n_tscnsc.html)
Second I-140 Allowed without Revocation of Earlier I-140 Petition
The TSC confirmed that, in some cases it is possible for the employer to file two or more I-140 petitions for the same beneficiary, based on a single labor certification, in multiple EB categories. If the job requirements are proper for EB2, the case could be filed in either category. Thus, multiple I-140s could be filed in some cases. If the first was filed in EB3, there would be no need to withdraw it in order to file in EB2. The TSC recommended submitting copies of the approved I-140 with the later-filed I-140 petition.
This could be quite helpful in situations where the I-140 petition is incorrectly filed in the wrong, lower category. We do hear about such instances from time to time. It seems that if the I-140 was filed in EB3, but the case would meet EB2, the TSC would permit the re-filing of the I-140 petition without revocation of the earlier EB3 filing.
See this and if it helps you courtesy Murthy.com (http://murthy.com/news/n_tscnsc.html)
Second I-140 Allowed without Revocation of Earlier I-140 Petition
The TSC confirmed that, in some cases it is possible for the employer to file two or more I-140 petitions for the same beneficiary, based on a single labor certification, in multiple EB categories. If the job requirements are proper for EB2, the case could be filed in either category. Thus, multiple I-140s could be filed in some cases. If the first was filed in EB3, there would be no need to withdraw it in order to file in EB2. The TSC recommended submitting copies of the approved I-140 with the later-filed I-140 petition.
This could be quite helpful in situations where the I-140 petition is incorrectly filed in the wrong, lower category. We do hear about such instances from time to time. It seems that if the I-140 was filed in EB3, but the case would meet EB2, the TSC would permit the re-filing of the I-140 petition without revocation of the earlier EB3 filing.
2010 lack amp; white children#39;s
benbear
11-08 03:49 PM
If this 655K number of AOS is true, then the number of pending EB AOS is NOT big.
The total number of pending AOS in June, right before the July VB fiasco, is 597K.
Because DOS controls FB cut off date pretty well, we don�t expect receiving spike and approving spike for FB cases in July VB fiasco. In another word, the number of FB received cases and the number of FB approved cases
should be about same.
EB pending cases in September only grows (655K-597K= 58K) compared with the number in June.
This 58K cases probably are evenly distributed from 2001 to 2007, roughly10K
every year.
So, we should see big jump in EB Visa bulletin, since there are no BEC, 245i excuses any more and all the cases are in the hand of USCIS.
per USCIS released information approx 655K AOS pending application as of end of Sept 2007.
It's also has 281K EAD & 188K AP pending applications.
So long way to go for GC journey...
Source: http://www.uscis.gov/files/article/APPLICATIONS%20FOR%20IMMIGRATION%20BENEFITS_Septem ber07.pdf
The total number of pending AOS in June, right before the July VB fiasco, is 597K.
Because DOS controls FB cut off date pretty well, we don�t expect receiving spike and approving spike for FB cases in July VB fiasco. In another word, the number of FB received cases and the number of FB approved cases
should be about same.
EB pending cases in September only grows (655K-597K= 58K) compared with the number in June.
This 58K cases probably are evenly distributed from 2001 to 2007, roughly10K
every year.
So, we should see big jump in EB Visa bulletin, since there are no BEC, 245i excuses any more and all the cases are in the hand of USCIS.
per USCIS released information approx 655K AOS pending application as of end of Sept 2007.
It's also has 281K EAD & 188K AP pending applications.
So long way to go for GC journey...
Source: http://www.uscis.gov/files/article/APPLICATIONS%20FOR%20IMMIGRATION%20BENEFITS_Septem ber07.pdf
more...
Ann Ruben
05-15 03:53 PM
In this circumstance it is fine to file an H-1 petition while the L-1B appeal is pending.
hair lack and white photos of
Krilnon
03-04 11:06 PM
I don't understand why anyone would want to let Kirupa have any control over this site.
more...
shirish
10-02 11:14 AM
I am in a similer situation, Did not get a clear answer from any one, but i was told that if i use EAD then my son has to use the I-485 receipt notice and the ap ti renter and the receipt will keep him in legal status.
I am bit confusedon this though.
I am bit confusedon this though.
hot lack and white, south africa,
eb3_2004
11-09 12:57 PM
I finished this survey!!!
more...
house lack and white photos of
snhn
06-13 02:53 PM
Ok, My PD is Oct 2001 .EB3 pending labo9r in dallas backlog center. 45 day letter received in Jan of this year. No more conresspondence so far. However my company filed PERM EB3 it got approved and now the I140 is approved as well. My PD is up for the old labor. Is there anyways, I can use PERM approved I140 and apply for 1485.
Thansk!
Thansk!
tattoo Children - Family - Black amp;
pdakwala
03-01 08:04 PM
Support IV now or else start packing bags. There are few things that you can do and that is not difficult.
1. Become member of IV
2. Support them by contributing money.
3. Support them by taking part in conference call and meet the lawmakers.
You can do it. By the way stop giving others BS that
1. We are on H1B and so no one will hear us.
2. Is it legal or illlegal to contributing money.
These are nothing but just excuseS. In reallity you don't have guts and faith in yourself.
1. Become member of IV
2. Support them by contributing money.
3. Support them by taking part in conference call and meet the lawmakers.
You can do it. By the way stop giving others BS that
1. We are on H1B and so no one will hear us.
2. Is it legal or illlegal to contributing money.
These are nothing but just excuseS. In reallity you don't have guts and faith in yourself.
more...
pictures lack and white children#39;s
maverick_joe
02-12 02:24 PM
I've been trying to find out the same info for a while now. Has anyone been successful trying to make use of cross chargeability? I had read sometime back that when you file for ur 485 you could provide a covering letter to say "Please consider Cross Chargeability", but isnt there a better way of doing it?
Jonty,
But the question is how do we change it when I-485 has already been applied. Is there a form for it? Or just a letter with what details attached?
Regards,
Anurag
Jonty,
But the question is how do we change it when I-485 has already been applied. Is there a form for it? Or just a letter with what details attached?
Regards,
Anurag
dresses Tags: smoke cigarette children
mdforgc
04-07 08:46 PM
Guys
I think this is the time we have to work on the house conference committee members to the best. This is where we are gonna have probs. Core guys-- Can we step up some campaign for this- what is QGAs take on this? Dont mak eit public if it is sensitive.
I think this is the time we have to work on the house conference committee members to the best. This is where we are gonna have probs. Core guys-- Can we step up some campaign for this- what is QGAs take on this? Dont mak eit public if it is sensitive.
more...
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gst76
02-18 05:21 PM
Going to India is definitely better. Especially since it is going to be your first H1b stamping.
If you register for a Canada stamping, a message pops-up saying that if it is your 1st H1b stamping, then go to home country.
As long as your docs are in order, you shouldn't have any problem in India.
Good luck!
If you register for a Canada stamping, a message pops-up saying that if it is your 1st H1b stamping, then go to home country.
As long as your docs are in order, you shouldn't have any problem in India.
Good luck!
girlfriend Posted in lack and white
va_dude
03-09 03:01 PM
kminkeller....
I'm not sure of whether or not a company can file for your labor while you are on your EAD. Now i'm curious.
Please do post an update about this question and others in this thread once your attorney consult is done. Myself and other IVians would certainly appreciate it.
Thanks.
I'm not sure of whether or not a company can file for your labor while you are on your EAD. Now i'm curious.
Please do post an update about this question and others in this thread once your attorney consult is done. Myself and other IVians would certainly appreciate it.
Thanks.
hairstyles old lack and white photos of
snathan
04-22 08:24 PM
I am employeed in IT consultancy, and wants to change my employement as a permenent employee of the client.
When i told this to my employeer he is telling me that he can file a lawsuite against my Client(New Employeer) on the bases of Small Business Administantion laws, stated below
Although the contract does not specifically state that the client cannot hire the contractor (you) on a permanent job, it also does not state that the client can. Current Employeer comes under the category of the 'Small Business Administration' under the State and the Federal Governments. Both governments fully support the growth and looks after the interests of small businesses in the country. They have always done it and are even more supportive lately as a result of the struggle small businesses are undergoing in these bad economic times. I have been advised by the company attorney that I contracted you to the client purely on professional and ethical grounds for the benefit of Current Employeer business. If a giant company like Client just takes you away to their advantage, it may not be looked upon favorably by a small business court.
Below is what is in the contract between my Employeer and Client.
1. This agreement is for the sole purposes of providing the services of the Contractor�s employee XXX to (Client).
2. Contractor will be an independent contractor of Company and will work on a Client assignment.
3. Company will pay $XX.00 per hour to Contractor for all the hours of work and expenses approved by Client.
4. All time and expenses should be entered into client�s system and should be approved by the concerned manager or project manager.
5 Company will not pay contractor for any time and expenses not authorized and not approved by Client.
6. Contractor shall be solely responsible for the quality of work performed.
7. Payment terms shall be XX days net and will be made on a bi-weekly basis.
8. The start date and the length of assignment will be determined by Client, and Company shall let the Contractor know in writing before the date on which the consultant starts working for the Client.
9. Contractor reserves the right to offer consultant�s services to other clients until such time the Company and the Contractor executes this agreement as well as a project work order.
10. This is the only agreement between the Contractor and the Company. Changes can be made in writing only and have to be signed by both parties to be effective.
11. This agreement is subject to the laws of the State of Texas.
12. Either party can terminate this contract by giving 2 week�s written notice, via email or physical mail. The notifying party must obtain proof of delivery of such notification to the other party.
Can any one tell if there is any possibility of that
It seems he is trying to scare you...pay few hundered dollars to an attorney and check.
When i told this to my employeer he is telling me that he can file a lawsuite against my Client(New Employeer) on the bases of Small Business Administantion laws, stated below
Although the contract does not specifically state that the client cannot hire the contractor (you) on a permanent job, it also does not state that the client can. Current Employeer comes under the category of the 'Small Business Administration' under the State and the Federal Governments. Both governments fully support the growth and looks after the interests of small businesses in the country. They have always done it and are even more supportive lately as a result of the struggle small businesses are undergoing in these bad economic times. I have been advised by the company attorney that I contracted you to the client purely on professional and ethical grounds for the benefit of Current Employeer business. If a giant company like Client just takes you away to their advantage, it may not be looked upon favorably by a small business court.
Below is what is in the contract between my Employeer and Client.
1. This agreement is for the sole purposes of providing the services of the Contractor�s employee XXX to (Client).
2. Contractor will be an independent contractor of Company and will work on a Client assignment.
3. Company will pay $XX.00 per hour to Contractor for all the hours of work and expenses approved by Client.
4. All time and expenses should be entered into client�s system and should be approved by the concerned manager or project manager.
5 Company will not pay contractor for any time and expenses not authorized and not approved by Client.
6. Contractor shall be solely responsible for the quality of work performed.
7. Payment terms shall be XX days net and will be made on a bi-weekly basis.
8. The start date and the length of assignment will be determined by Client, and Company shall let the Contractor know in writing before the date on which the consultant starts working for the Client.
9. Contractor reserves the right to offer consultant�s services to other clients until such time the Company and the Contractor executes this agreement as well as a project work order.
10. This is the only agreement between the Contractor and the Company. Changes can be made in writing only and have to be signed by both parties to be effective.
11. This agreement is subject to the laws of the State of Texas.
12. Either party can terminate this contract by giving 2 week�s written notice, via email or physical mail. The notifying party must obtain proof of delivery of such notification to the other party.
Can any one tell if there is any possibility of that
It seems he is trying to scare you...pay few hundered dollars to an attorney and check.
prince_charming
04-08 04:14 PM
Does July 1st include the weekend till 3rd July or it just hardstop @ July 1st?
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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