We received a letter from Homeland Security yesterday. I was the "lucky" one to first spot it in our mail box because Khalid was working late. After a long day at work the last thing you want to see in your mailbox is something from The Department of Homeland Inefficiency. Surprisingly, they weren't as inefficient as I would have liked: we just filed the adjustment of status papers two weeks ago. Darn, why can't government agencies live "down" to their reputations?Just a mere glimpse of the Homeland Security logo filled my heart with trepidation. There's really no way to describe it. It's one of those things that unless you've been through it, you can't really understand the different levels of fear the human mind can conjure within a split second!
I get the same feeling when we go to the Homeland Security offices in Albany. All Homeland Security offices look like prisons. and of course, the militarized touch pad bolts on the doors don't exactly give the place a warm homey feel. I guess a hand embroidered welcome sign, a tea cozy and lace doilies are not staples in the Homeland Security yearly budget? 'Tis a shame...they get so much money might as well live it up a little.
My hands shook slightly as I reached for the "letter of doom". I was afraid they had decided to reject our adjustment request. So, I was relieved-- when Khalid came home and opened the letter-- to find they were only requesting additional information. Phew!!
They were requesting two things. One is to get some medical testing and vaccinations from a Homeland Security approved doctor. (I guess that Homeland Security sanctioned doctors are the only ones qualified to do such routine examinations--or, more likely,they are the only ones who can botch them up!)
The other request may be a trifle more problematic. They were requesting Khalid's birth certificate. When Khalid was born, India was not issuing birth certificates. Great! So now, Khalid has to prove that India did not issue birth certificates at that time, which shouldn't be difficult. DHS "should" already know that anyways.
Khalid has contacted his Father so he can sign a notarized statement about the lack of a birth certificate and stating that Khalid was born in India, when and where. Additionally, his brother is contacting the Indian embassy to see what they can provide. Ho-hum..there's tons more fun where that came from!
So, stay tuned to find out what else arises. Whatever it is, it will no doubt be an adventure!
7 comments:
Oh, this was quite the suspenseful post.
And thank you for your lovely note today and yesterday. :) I know what you mean about prejudices and illconceived stereotypes-- I've had the same thing go on and sometimes it's SO hard to let go of them.
Wish you two the best as this "adventure" unfolds!
To Laila..
Thank you so very much for reading my blog.
You are welcome for the notes. I always smile when I read your blogposts. Thank you for that.
Stereotypes and prejudices melt away once we take a chance and get to know people. Fundamentally, wherever we come from, we are all the same. Humankind needs to remember that.
Keep on blogging!
Hugs,
Beth
To Anonymous..
Thank you for your best wishes! We can only hope for a positive outcome...and go on with our lives.
All the best,
Beth
Wow,and the dance continues... The waiting is the hardest thing as our lives seem to be colored by just this one thing. I find myself holding my breath right along with you. I think of you both every day now and hope and pray that things work out!
With big hugs and lots of hope,
Angela
We got an RFE as well during our process. This was for Military Records (which are not allowed to leave Bulgaria). The funny part is that it says they cannot leave Bulgaria on the State Department site...aka the DHS site. It took me three weeks to find someone intelligent enough to know DHS' own standards. Anyway I found this for you in case you haven't read it...
Unobtainable birth certificates
The applicant’s birth record may not be obtainable. Some reasons are listed below:
* The applicant’s birth was never officially recorded.
* The applicant’s birth records have been destroyed.
* The appropriate government authority will not issue one.
Please obtain a certified statement from the appropriate government authority stating the reason the applicant’s birth record is not available. With the certified statement the applicant must submit secondary evidence. For example:
* A baptismal certificate that contains the date and place of birth, as well as both parents names (providing the baptism took place shortly after birth)
* An adoption decree for an adopted child
* An affidavit from a close relative, preferably the applicant’s mother, stating the date and place of birth, both parents names, and the mother’s maiden name.
Note: An affidavit must be executed before an official authorized to take oaths or affirmations. More specific information is available from the NVC.
Hi Samantha,
Thanks a million for that information. I figured there had to be alternate solutions, since not every country produces birth certificates. It sounds as though we are on the right track with what we are planning on doing.
We are working on it currently, so I'll let you know what's going on.
Again..thanks for the information.
Take care and best wishes..and please..keep in touch!
Beth
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