As Bad as Calling DOS

[Mick]

Well, after we received our visa and got to the States, I thought I was finished with the eternal telephone waits, cut-offs, and run arounds. Boy was I mistaken. We have been trying to get through to the BCIS info line (1-800-375-5283) for two days now. It was like deja vu all over again.

 

Cut off four times; waited forever two more times; never spoke to a human on all occassions. They have a menu selection that makes DOS look simple. Yikes!

 

For those of you who haven't been reading the Immigration Challenges Forum, Li has now been in the US for three months and BCIS still has not logged her entry into the computer database. As a result, we cannot get a SSN number or card, open a bank account, or do anything with her name on it. We filed AOS, EAD, and AP a month ago. They have never sent us a receipt number although we received the certified mail return receipt stating they had received our package and signed for it. The few times we have been able to get through to BCIS, they just tell us to call the Regional Center, but then refuse to give us the phone numbers, which are evidently not listed. I know this post should go under the Immigration Challenges section and I have posted more details in that Forum. Just thought some of you might want to know that GZ/DOS are not the only bozos on the immigration bus.

 

I am really getting frustrated about all of this. Can't go to Atlanata Service Center, a four hour round trip from where we live. Even if we go, there is no assurance we can even get in as one has to wait in line, go into the lobby, and get a ticket. Only issue so many tickets per day. Who knows how long we would have to stay in Atlanta just to get to see someone. No email address is published. There is a support center in Birmingham, a hundred miles away but they only do fingerprints and are of no help at all. Folks, there has got to be a better way to handle all this.

[tparrent]

There's really no need to insult Bozo

[Mick]

There's really no need to insult Bozo B)

Good point Tom! I just got off the phone with them. What a mess! I was on hold for twenty minutes, then spoke to a lady who could not answer any of my questions. After a five minute conversation she said I needed to speak to an 'Immigration Officer".

 

WTF

 

I asked what her title was and she said she was "Customer Service". She then transferred my call to Immigration. I was on hold for another 50 minutes and then this guy who was a real a**hole finally picked up the phone. When I asked who was responsible for entering my wife into the data base he got pissed off and said, and I quote, "That is not information that should be discussed on the phone as it is a matter of national security".

 

WTF

 

I asked a few other questions which he refused to answer. I then asked why it was that after three months she still was not showing up in the database.

 

"What data base?"

 

I explained that SSA will not issue SSN until BCIS enters her into the national data base.

 

"Who said we have a data base".

 

"Social Security Administration"

 

"Then take it up with them. Good bye sir" Click!

 

 

About an hour and twenty minutes on the phone total and no information gained. Further, he told me that Atlanta would not be issuing a receipt number. That we would not hear from them until they wanted fingerprints or issued EAD, which he said would be a minimum of 90 days. I asked why BCIS required a receipt number to make a inquiry on case status on their web site. Honest to God, this was his answer:

 

"I can't discuss those issues on the phone"

 

"If they do not issue a receipt number, how do I make an inquiry as to case status"

 

"That is not an immigration issue sir, why did you call this line?"

 

I could go on and on her but I am fried and really ticked. Public servants these guys are not!

[robhon]

My take on all of this is that it's our governments official position that: How DARE we fall in love with someone other than an American citizen!!

 

As training to respond this way I believe these people are forced to watch that Abbot and Costello "Who's on first?" routine for six weeks straight, a la Clockwork Orange style. All strapped down, clamps holding open their eye lids...

 

Mick, you know, if they DON'T respond that way they know they are in for six more weeks of remedial training with Lou Costello.

[whoever]

Ya know, I also feel the same pain as many of you. Once, America is the land of dream, and freedom for all human beings. Now, things are changing.

 

The best way to do this, is get your Congressman involved, see if they could do something for you. Their voice, or letter will sound louder for you. Ofcourse, if your Congressman would willing to help.

 

I hope you get the stuff done asap.

 

Cheer up! At least, you have your loved one next to you. This waiting process is not that lonesome anymore.

 

BTW, the BCIS is the Number One worst service in the world.

[Guest alex062872]

In Los Angeles, people get up at 1:00am and go to Downtown's INS building. They open at 6:00am. I don't know anything about East coast.

I recommand you have to pay a personal visit to INS' Regional Office to straight your problems. That will be a terrible day if you get up at 1:00am, however, INS will at least give you an answer.

 

Hopefully that will help.

[Guest R2D2]

There's really no need to insult Bozo B)

Good point Tom! I just got off the phone with them. What a mess! I was on hold for twenty minutes, then spoke to a lady who could not answer any of my questions. After a five minute conversation she said I needed to speak to an 'Immigration Officer".

 

WTF

 

I asked what her title was and she said she was "Customer Service". She then transferred my call to Immigration. I was on hold for another 50 minutes and then this guy who was a real a**hole finally picked up the phone. When I asked who was responsible for entering my wife into the data base he got pissed off and said, and I quote, "That is not information that should be discussed on the phone as it is a matter of national security".

 

WTF

 

I asked a few other questions which he refused to answer. I then asked why it was that after three months she still was not showing up in the database.

 

"What data base?"

 

I explained that SSA will not issue SSN until BCIS enters her into the national data base.

 

"Who said we have a data base".

 

"Social Security Administration"

 

"Then take it up with them. Good bye sir" Click!

 

 

About an hour and twenty minutes on the phone total and no information gained. Further, he told me that Atlanta would not be issuing a receipt number. That we would not hear from them until they wanted fingerprints or issued EAD, which he said would be a minimum of 90 days. I asked why BCIS required a receipt number to make a inquiry on case status on their web site. Honest to God, this was his answer:

 

"I can't discuss those issues on the phone"

 

"If they do not issue a receipt number, how do I make an inquiry as to case status"

 

"That is not an immigration issue sir, why did you call this line?"

 

I could go on and on her but I am fried and really ticked. Public servants these guys are not!

Who was on first!

[wolf]

Mick,

I am sure these people are working for the phone company. They keep you on hold and build up your phone bill, than take their cut.

Lucky you and Li are together, as long as you are together, let the rest take it's time and keep your phone records and mail receipts to show you tried. Hell, if my love was here, I wouldn't care what the government did because at least we would be together. I'd live everyday to it's fullest and let the government find us. It's easy here, people have been lost for years and the state can't even find them. Mainland is alot different, I guess.

Sorry you are still having a hassel, I guess it never ends????

[chinadave2001]

Hi Mick,

It makes so angry to read about this. I wish there was some to help - when will it ever end? maybe you should contact some journalist - your story gets more obscene all the time . First a black holer - now this. B) Maybe instead of BCIS it should be shortened to BS!

dave

[Mick]

Thanks for your input and suggestions guys. I really appreciate it. That is one of the greatest things about Candle: the ongoing support during times of frustration. I am more calm this morning but yesterday I was really boiling after getting off the phone with BCIS.

 

Yes, having Li by my side makes this a lot easier and I am thankful for that. Yet we have been together for the entire process as we lived together in China for five years before returning to the States back in March. I guess what irks me is the fact that throughout the process, the Black Hole of last August as well as this latest mess, is the lack of sensitivity shown by most of our government workers as well as the morass of misinformation, disinformation, and outright lies. It really gets to me after awhile. What is worse, this whole bizarre and interminable process has given Li a very bad first impression of the American system of government. Right now she has a fairly negative view of how things work (or don't work in this case). It is sad but it is true.

 

Thanks for the help Don, both with your post and PM. Atlanta Center seems to have a pretty dismal reputation for processing applications. I am considering a visit to the Birmingham support center to see if I can break anything open. It is only 100 miles away. I will keep everyone posted on the progress. Again, thanks for the support and comradarie. We really need it right now. B)

[robhon]

Mick, next time you MUST record this stuff! Radio Shack has cheap little devices you hook up to your phone. Some years later, when this whole nightmare is long past, you can pull out the recordings and you will hoot with laughter at the sheer absurdity of it all. It'll be great stuff to play at parties, etc. You will be famous in your circle if friends. "Hey, have you heard those recordings Mick has of talking to the immigration people? They're just nuts!!"

[Mick]

Mick, next time you MUST record this stuff!  Radio Shack has cheap little devices you hook up to your phone.  Some years later, when this whole nightmare is long past, you can pull out the recordings and you will hoot with laughter at the sheer absurdity of it all.  It'll be great stuff to play at parties, etc.  You will be famous in your circle if friends.  "Hey, have you heard those recordings Mick has of talking to the immigration people?  They're just nuts!!"

Not a bad idea at all actually. Some of the conversations I have had with these guys seemed to have been scripted by either Kurt Vonnegut or Franz Kafka. B)

[bobmal99]

Hi Mick, sorry to hear about your problems. I can not comprehend that a government agency has absolutely no type of uniformity throughout their system.

 

I had to get in line at 2:30 am to file our AOS but at least we got our EAD card that same day, and we were able to get Lili her SSN within two weeks of her entering the US.

 

It boggles my mind that each BCIS office does as it pleases, or does nothing at all. I have gotten a lot of crap over the years being from Boston. But at least our version of the BCIS seems to ARE YOU SITTING DOWN, be actually doing what they are paid to do--their job!!

 

I will say several prayers for you and your lovely wife.

[AngryTexan]

I sympathize with you Mick, as you well know . However, there are a lot worse things than having to drive from Huntsville to Birmingham, which, in my opinion, is one of the most scenic drives in the U.S. I tell people that, and they usually say, "In Alabama?!?! You're joking, right?" Not at all - it is absolutely beautiful, and I recommend it to anyone who finds him or herself in that part of the country. The terrain is semi-mountainous, with beautiful pine trees and scenic cliffs.

 

I know it's a little off topic. Sorry . But best of luck with BCIS!!!