For those familiar with my recent thread, "IR1 visa 221g refusal," we are currently assembling documents to submit as further proof of domicile. In the meantime, family and friends in the US are very upset by our initial refusal and would like to write to their congress person and/or senator. Several have also encouraged me to do so.

I don't think that would help us at this point (might actually hurt us by delaying the process??), but I wanted to check with others for experiences and opinions.

I agree, it won't help you at this point, since there is nothing a congress person or senator can do to help you compile the required evidence you need to show at the embassy.

As for writing to them, sure you and others can, if it makes you/them feel better, but I'd wait until you're safely inside the USA....just in case. Don't rock the boat before you disembark!

I am not sure a congress person and/or senator have any input as to the way ConOff's do their job.

Rene

I agree with Rene, it can't help and it could hurt. You don't want the case being taken away from the CO who is processing it so that someone can review it to respond to a politician's inquiry.

Worst case scenario - a number of years back when the Orlando, FL, CIS office was averaging 2 years to process adjustment cases a fellow I know wrote to his congressman asking why it was taking so long. The congressman contacted the Orlando office, which assured him that they who handle the case 'by the book'. The application ultimately took 3 years to be approved.

Regards, JEff

I don't understand why they are 'very upset'... perhaps the issue wasn't explained well?

You are a US citizen. You are free to return to the US when you like. Your spouse is at the front of the line with no quotas for coming in, and the standards to be met are quite low (in the context of a USC living in the US).

I understand that it was disappointing, but in terms of complaining to the government about it, I'm not sure you are taking into account the other side of the story.

I don't mean that to be harsh against you or your family, but the comment has been nagging at me today.

You need to focus on 1 thing and 1 thing only.

Complaining to your congressional rep is not it.

You need to focus all your powers on assembling the needed materials to have you all's application approved.

Everything else is secondary.

Once you move and settle, then you, your family and friends can complain all you'd like. And btw, if they're interested - there's a whole heck of a lot you and they can complain to them about where immigration matters are concerned - not just the initial refusal of your petition.

(well put meauxna - I was thinking the exact same thing)

Hi:

Others have told you the answer already. There are times when congressional inquiry might help, but this not one of them. The last time I saw it work was with a client whose father was from a small state with an extremely powerful senator and the matter involved a catfight between former INS and State.

History lesson -- when the Consular Corps was created, the Consuls represented the United States and communication with Washington DC took months. Hence, they historically have a lot of independence.

In today's age, the consul who has refused a visa could get a cable from Foggy Bottom stating "Issue visa. Signed Hillary." The consul would be well within her rights to say "no, I will not." The consul could then get a cable from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue "Issue visa. Signed Barak." The consul would still be within her rights to say "no I will not." [He career prospects may have just been shot to Hell, but that is a different issue].

For those (like me) who are wondering what thread the OP is referring to, it can be read here: http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=639303

~ Jenney