N400 filed in 2020

[ernik]

Hi All!

I've submitted my N400 application back in April 2020 and only did biometrics in 2021 since then. I got a call today from a Tier2 officer that my file is in the National Records Center and need to wait. I understand it's all she could say. What is the best route to expedite this process if that's even possible? Write to my senator etc or should I just sit and wait more? What people usually do in a situation like this. Thanks much!

[SouthBay2019]

Hi All!

I've submitted my N400 application back in April 2020 and only did biometrics in 2021 since then. I got a call today from a Tier2 officer that my file is in the National Records Center and need to wait. I understand it's all she could say. What is the best route to expedite this process if that's even possible? Write to my senator etc or should I just sit and wait more? What people usually do in a situation like this. Thanks much!

See below link. Request FOIA (Freedom of Information Act).

https://www.***********.com/forums/t...-stuck-at-frc/

I decided to start this new thread after reading several posts in which FOIA requests are helping unstuck cases that have been in limbo forever.


A FOIA request is basically asking USCIS to retrieve the A-file from the Federal Records Center at NARA (National Archives and Records Administration). So, instead of USCIS asking for it, it is an individual requesting the file. That is how I understand it, correct me if I am wrong.



After reading some of the posts from the April and May 2020 filers I noticed quite a few cases are finally moving after a FOIA request. This is also related to cases that are "fairly old", meaning the individual entered the US before 2010, because at that time no digital copies or on-line system existed.



Now, individuals with A-files stuck at the FRC are not only those who filed in Spring of 2020, BUT also people who filed in 2021 (including my case and others discussed in the "N400 interview decision pending tracker"). In theses cases and for some reason, interviews were scheduled but when time came for USCIS to make a decision they needed to retrieve the A-file (who knows if it was a different one) that remains at the FRC. Again, this could be due to the age of the A-file, no digital copies available for some cases.



My point: it does not matter when you filed, if you got your interview or not. If your file is stuck at the FRC, your case might not be moving. Most of us have contacted Senators, representatives... with the same answer: your file is at the FRC and needs to be retrieved, they are not working at full capacity, so it is taking forever...



The purpose of this thread is to discuss if filing a FOIA is a viable option (obviously it is for some filers from 2020) and hear success stories. Please post with your experience and tips on how this is helping your application or not.

[ernik]

Thank you!