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Contacting a Congressman to Submit an Expedited Request for a USCIS Immigration Case
Many people are unaware that contacting a congressman or senator can help expedite their immigration case with USCIS. You can submit an Expedite Request for EAD applications, I-485 applications, J1 waivers, etc., through a Congressman if:
You're experiencing significant delays in response from USCIS and don't have the option for premium processing available.
You have a strong, valid, and time-sensitive reason for expediting your case.
However, contacting a Congressman or Senator should be your last resort. I previously explained humanitarian reasons and how you can submit an expedited request with USCIS through their virtual chat assistant, Emma, or by calling USCIS.
Table of Contents: Congressman USCIS Expedite Request
Reasons for Expedite Request
Reasons for expedited requests could include financial loss, humanitarian concerns, job opportunities, or any other time-sensitive scenarios. Regardless, you should have sufficient documentation to support your Expedite request.
It's important to note that you should not expedite applications for which premium processing services are available. For applications like H4 EAD, J1 waiver, and I-485, where premium processing services are unavailable, you can request expedited processing without any additional fee if you have a compelling reason.
Related: I-485 Expedite Request
Note that while this process doesn't guarantee approval, the congressional representative will collaborate with federal agencies on your behalf, potentially speeding up your case. This collaboration, however, does not ensure approval, but you can expect faster processing.
It's essential to remember that Senators represent the entire state, while Congressmen represent specific districts within each state; these are two separate representatives. It's advisable not to contact both of them simultaneously, as this may create confusion and lead to delays. Typically, individuals contact their Congressmen in their respective districts.
Contacting Congressman/Senator for Expedite Request
Congressmen and Senators usually have dedicated staff to handle these types of requests. Once you contact them and provide the necessary details, it may take a few days to a week for them to approach USCIS representatives.
CONGRESSMAN
Locate your specific representative using your address and ZIP code. Check here.
You will find details regarding both Democrat and Republican representatives. See the below screenshot.
Check their official website (click their names) for contact information and the preferred method of communication.
Typically, you will find links like Need help with 'Passport and Immigration', 'Agency Assistance', or 'Federal Agency' on their website.
SENATOR
Find the contact details for your Senators on their official websites. Check here.
Senators often have both Washington, D.C., and local state offices. Contacting the local office will be faster.
There will be two senators per state.
Understand that Senators may deal with a broader range of issues but may have more resources to handle constituent concerns.
Once you know whom to contact, you can reach out to them via email or call them. Typically, individuals reach out to them via email. If you need faster assistance, contact them via phone.
Supporting Documents for Expedite Request to Congressman
Expedite Request Letter or Email: Clearly outline the reasons for expediting your case, such as financial loss, humanitarian concerns, job opportunities, or any other time-sensitive situations. You can refer to the template in the next section.
Documents: Include relevant documents supporting your case, such as medical records, job offer letters, financial statements, financial bills, bank statements, police reports, or any other documentation that validates the urgency of your case. Also, include copies of any letters, emails, or notices you have received from USCIS related to your case.
Case Receipt Notice: Don't forget to provide a copy of the receipt notice for your immigration application to help the Congressman's office identify and track your case.
Your Contact Information: Make sure your letter includes accurate contact information so that the Congressman's office can reach you easily for further clarification or updates.
USCIS Expedite Request Letter Sample
Subject: USCIS Expedite Request for [Your Name] - [Case Number]
Dear [USCIS Representative's Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request an expedited review of my immigration case due to [briefly explain the reason for an expedited request, such as urgent medical treatment, impending financial loss, or other time-sensitive circumstances]. My case details are as follows:
Applicant Name: [Your Name]
Case Number: [Your Case Number]
Application Type: [Type of Application, e.g., Adjustment of Status, EAD, Waiver, etc.]
Date of Application Submission: [Date of Submission]
I have attached supporting documentation that outlines the urgency and necessity of expediting my case. [Describe any attached documents briefly, such as medical records, police reports, job offer letters, etc].
I understand that expediting a case is at the discretion of USCIS, and I assure you that I have provided all necessary evidence to support my request. I kindly request your prompt attention to this matter and would be grateful for any assistance you can provide in expediting the processing of my application.
Please let me know if there are any additional steps I need to take or if you require any further information from my end.
Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
[Your Address]
Expedite Request Denied What Next
If your expedite request is denied, it's not necessarily the end of the road. You have two options:
Wait: The denial is specifically for the expedite request and not for your original application. If you feel that your expedite reason wasn't compelling enough or lacked sufficient evidence, you can choose to wait for regular processing.
Re-appeal: If you believe you now have sufficient evidence to prove your case, you can consider submitting another expedite request.
It's important to note that the final decision on your expedite request rests solely with USCIS, and it may vary depending on the reviewing officer. Therefore, it's essential to carefully assess your situation and provide strong supporting evidence when making an expedite request. It's advisable to hire an attorney if you have a complicated case.
I hope you find this blog helpful and that it may potentially speed up your case. If you have any questions, feel free to ask, and I'll do my best to assist you. Please note that I am not a lawyer and do not have any affiliation with legal professionals. I have personally experienced expedited processing a couple of times, and I'm sharing my experiences here. Thank you.
FAQs on Congressman USCIS Expedite Request
Can non-U.S. citizens contact the congressman to expedite immigration cases?
Yes, you can. But usually, it's U.S. citizens, like the immigrant's spouse or family, who talk to their elected representatives called congresspeople. That's because these representatives are chosen by U.S. citizens.
Non-U.S. citizens have also succeeded, but sometimes it might be harder to get their attention. Also, getting in touch with a congressperson might not always change things a lot. However, there is no harm in trying.
Related: Green Card vs Citizenship
What is the typical response time from USCIS for a congressional inquiry regarding immigration matters?
The response time from USCIS for a congressional inquiry regarding immigration matters can vary, but generally, you can expect a response within 30 days.
How to contact a Congressman or Senator?
To contact a Congressman or Senator, find their contact details on their official website or use online tools mentioned earlier in this blog to identify them. Choose the appropriate office (local or D.C.), compose a concise message, and reach out via email, phone, or mail based on your urgency.
What's the fee for a USCIS Expedite Request?
$0. There are no fees for a USCIS Expedite Request.
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