Houston District AILA Liason Qs and As for January 2009
March 2, 2009 by Thomas Esparza
Filed under Attorneys
AILA WORKING COMMITTEE QUESTIONS
HOUSTON DISTRICT OFFICE
January, 2009
1. Members are asking why has the e-mail inquiry system for Houston been eliminated when other Districts such as Dallas have e-mail inquiry systems in place and operational? Is this a standard policy across the US or only for Houston?
A. The Acting District Director and the Field Office Director are reviewing and discussing the issue in depth. We will announce a decision to the working group committee once a final decision is reached.
2. Nearly all the biometric appointments that some attorneys are receiving are for the new ASC on Highway 6 in Sugarland. Clients report that it is very difficult to find this center following the current directions. Is the Monroe ASC still closed? For many of the people either Bassinet or 290 would be closer than Sugarland. Can people do their biometrics during makeup times at a different location or must they go to the place shown on the appointment?
A. The Monroe ASC is remains closed. It is currently under remodeling after damages from Hurricane IKE. The District Office will publicly announce when the Monroe ASC officially opens. There is no longer a Bissonnet ASC. The Bissonnet ASC also known as the Southwest ASC is now located at 11777 State Hwy 6 South Sugarland, Texas 77498. Applicants can do their make-up biometrics at any Application Support Center.
3. Some members sent their problem cases to Ms. Heathman through my office, after several previous inquiries without adjudications and months or years of waiting for pending applications, but never received any response. These members are asking if at least on these particular cases, that were sent prior to the change in the online inquiry system, they may continue to email me the follow-up inquiries, to forward to Ms. Heathman?
A. Yes.
4. When can we expect for the biometrics appointments that were cancelled due to Hurricane IKE to be rescheduled?
A. All biometrics appointments that were cancelled due to Hurricane IKE have been rescheduled. Any applicant(s) who have not received notices can go to any Application Support Center with their original appointment to have their biometrics taken.
5. Members are asking what can they do besides filing a Mandamus, where USCIS does not make a decision on the case, several inquiries have been made, by email, online and through Infopass inquiries but there is no resolution of the case? Members want to know if they can get a personal appointment to discuss these cases with the Supervisors of the Naturalization or Adjustment Sections. While the IIOs are being nice and patient during these inquiries, they seem unable to complete any process or resolve any case.
A. USCIS management does not encourage Mandamus filings. The Field Office
Director is asking AILA members to continue to bring cases exceeding processing times to the Committee Chairperson’s attention for forwarding to the Field Office Director.
6. With the online inquiry system now gone, what is the best way to request assistance from the USCIS on simple matters such as missing oath notices, or cases where Officers have not made a decision after an I-72 or N14 has been sent months ago.
A. The Field Office Director would like AILA members to continue to fax your simple inquiries to the respective Branch Chiefs regarding missing oath ceremonies, reschedules, I-72s and N-14’s issues. The Branch Chief for Naturalization is Sylvia Halfhill. Her fax number (281)774-5885. The Branch Chief for Adjustment of Status is Cathy Shuler. Her fax number is (281)784-7497.
7. Kindly provide a list of the Naturalization Ceremony dates for 2009.
A. A list of the Houston District Naturalization oath ceremonies is attached. Please keep in mind that ceremonies may be subject to change and/or cancellations.
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8. When do we expect to have the new District Director appointed to the HDO? Are
There any other changes in policy or procedures of which we need to be aware?
A. The Houston District Office will publicly announce when a new District Director is appointed/selected. There are no changes in policy or procedures that we need to announce.
