Who to contact - Congressman or Senator

[myimmiv]

Well, I just wanted to throw this out there, since I did not get any definite answer from any forums.

When in need for I-485 issues, who is better to contact - Congressman or Senator.

I just want to know the pros and cons of each and maybe this analysis will help others down the line.

Points to note are:
1. There are more congressman in a particular state than senators. There are only 2 senators in a state.

2. Senators are more powerful than congressman (not sure that this power applies for talking to USCIS or not)

3. Senators and congressman have different terms in office. Hence is it better to contact someone who is going to stay longer, or someone who is up for election soon and hence may help.

4. For a particular USCIS case, can we contact both congressman and senator at the same time. Is this good.

Can members throw some light on this based on their prior experience and based on their knowledge.

Thanks in advance.

[myimmiv]

Any thoughts ?

[stuckinretro]

You can contact either of the 2 senators of your state. But need to contact representative corresponding to your district.

But understand that, just because you contact a congressman doesn't mean you miraculously would get your GC. its going to be a long process. Add 3-4 months from the day you contact if the congressional liaison pulls your case for review. If there is a problem with your case they would inform you about it after they review. Note congressman's office cannot tell a federal agency(CIS) what they need to do, they can only inquire on your behalf whats causing the delay. Nothing to do with who is how much powerful.

Originally Posted by myimmiv

Well, I just wanted to throw this out there, since I did not get any definite answer from any forums.

When in need for I-485 issues, who is better to contact - Congressman or Senator.

I just want to know the pros and cons of each and maybe this analysis will help others down the line.

Points to note are:
1. There are more congressman in a particular state than senators. There are only 2 senators in a state.

2. Senators are more powerful than congressman (not sure that this power applies for talking to USCIS or not)

3. Senators and congressman have different terms in office. Hence is it better to contact someone who is going to stay longer, or someone who is up for election soon and hence may help.

4. For a particular USCIS case, can we contact both congressman and senator at the same time. Is this good.

Can members throw some light on this based on their prior experience and based on their knowledge.

Thanks in advance.

[sammyb]

Middle of 2009 we had issue (denial) with my wife's I485 and after MTR failed I contacted the local Senator's office ... it took around 6 months to finally turn the ball and revise USCIS's earlier decision of denying the application - it was a case where we followed the process and was penalized because of technical reason by USCIS ...

So at the end who ever you contact - this process takes time and again again the senator's office said they can only raise points with USCIS and ask them to review their prior decision - they can't say 'this looks fine pls approve ...'

hope this helps ....

Originally Posted by myimmiv

Well, I just wanted to throw this out there, since I did not get any definite answer from any forums.

When in need for I-485 issues, who is better to contact - Congressman or Senator.

I just want to know the pros and cons of each and maybe this analysis will help others down the line.

Points to note are:
1. There are more congressman in a particular state than senators. There are only 2 senators in a state.

2. Senators are more powerful than congressman (not sure that this power applies for talking to USCIS or not)

3. Senators and congressman have different terms in office. Hence is it better to contact someone who is going to stay longer, or someone who is up for election soon and hence may help.

4. For a particular USCIS case, can we contact both congressman and senator at the same time. Is this good.

Can members throw some light on this based on their prior experience and based on their knowledge.

Thanks in advance.

[chanduv23]

Congressman - things can move quick and you can get personalized attention.

Senator - things may be a bit slow because they handle the entire state.

How your case can be treated - there is a trick that I would like to share.

For any politician it is in their best duties to help their constituent and that too a law abiding tax paying constituent.

For any staffer at their office, it is best for them to be of help to the constituent because they get brownie points.

You must present yourself and your case with a lot of humility, clarity, easy language, proof of documents, and words of praise and humble request for help - then you can actually see that things do work.

USCIS has an internal liason called congressional liason and all congressional enquiries are routed carefully through that liason. It is in best interest of the liason to make sure they do everything right and come back with a responsible answer. Most times thei entire process is made visible to you via emails copied to you or printouts of conversation or sometimes the liason asks you to come to their office and talks to CIS in your presence.

This is not like Infopass where you can expect only luck to help you.

Another option is to approach the Ombudsman. Ombudsman's office is slow, but it is effective too.

[cinqsit]

Hi

According to my experience it doesnt make a difference whom you contact. I would suggest contact all (both senators of your state and local congressperson). It has no negative bearing on your case. I would also suggest
that you contact the ombudsman. You never know whats going to click in the end.

Best

cinqsit

[chanduv23]

Originally Posted by cinqsit

Hi

According to my experience it doesnt make a difference whom you contact. I would suggest contact all (both senators of your state and local congressperson). It has no negative bearing on your case. I would also suggest
that you contact the ombudsman. You never know whats going to click in the end.

Best

cinqsit

Yes, one has to do everything. It helps solve the issue from all directions. It helps educate law makers about issues, also allows Ombudsman's office to understand common issues.

On another note, if anyone is having issues with their petitions and need help, you can also contact IV, send a message or post it on the forum.

Post issues on various forums on the internet too helps

[shana04]

What are the steps and actions to initiate the case to be picked up when the priority date is current.

Please advice!

Thanks in advance