Immigration
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
was created when the Immigration and Naturalization Service was
integrated into the Department of Homeland Security. USCIS has
responsibility for processing applications for entry into the
United States, legal permanent residence, and United States
citizenship.
Below is a list of questions and answer on how the office of
Congressman LaTourette can be helpful to individuals and families
who are having immigrations issues.
How can I find out the status of my case filed with USCIS?
After you file your application with USCIS, they will send you a
receipt notice. This notice will have a case number associated with
your application. It will provide you general information on how
long it usually takes to process your application. You can always
check the status of your application by going to the USCIS website. If
you are past the normal processing times, please feel free to
contact my office and we will be happy to assist you by making an
inquiry to USCIS on your behalf. Due to privacy issues, it will be
necessary for you to download and complete a release form, which
you will find on my site. Once you have completed this release,
please forward it to my Painesville District Office at 1 Victoria
Place, Room 320, Painesville, Ohio 44077.
The USCIS website is very convenient and easy to navigate. Many
of your questions regarding applications, procedures and status can
be found by logging onto www.uscis.gov. They also have an automated
number that is available 24 hours a day. The number you can call is
800-375-5283. However, should you wish to speak with a member of my
staff with your questions, please do not hesitate to contact my
office.
Is your case within the posted processing time?
If your case has not exceeded the USCIS standard processing
time, Congressman LaTourette can only request expedited processing
in life-or-death emergencies. USCIS is required by law to process
cases in the order that they are received.
Has your application taken longer than the USCIS processing
time?
USCIS attempts to complete work on all applications within the
predicted time frame. However, if your case has taken longer than
expected, please complete the Privacy Act Form and mail it to
Congressman LaTourette's Painesville District office.
Are you or a family member in deportation proceedings?
Once a case is under the jurisdiction of an immigration judge,
Congressman LaTourette is prohibited from intervening in a judicial
proceeding.
Are you trying to adopt a child from overseas and have not
received your approval?
If you have filed all the required applications with USCIS, but
have not received a reply, please complete a Privacy Release Form
and Congressman LaTourette can make an inquiry and determine the
cause of the delay in your case.
Do you have a friend or family member who has been denied a
visa for travel to the United States?
All applicants for visitors visas must comply with Section
214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). The INA
requires applicants for visas to demonstrate their intent to return
home once their visa expires. This is accomplished through
providing documentation demonstrating family and financial ties, as
well as through ownership of property in their home country. If
sufficient evidence is not provided, the embassy or consulate has
the authority to deny the visa. The decision to issue a visa is
made by the interviewing officer and cannot be overturned by
members of Congress. Congressman LaTourette may make inquires to
obtain information on a rejected application and work with the
embassy or consulate, but he cannot order them to issue a visa