{"id":463,"date":"2016-10-27T23:04:36","date_gmt":"2016-10-27T23:04:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.genealogyatheart.com\/?p=463"},"modified":"2016-10-27T23:04:36","modified_gmt":"2016-10-27T23:04:36","slug":"obtaining-us-ancestors-immigration-documentation-what-you-need-to-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.genealogyatheart.com\/?p=463","title":{"rendered":"Obtaining US Ancestors Immigration Documentation \u2013 What You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"

In May, I requested an index search request for $20.00 from the\u00a0USCIS<\/a>\u00a0website.\u00a0 I\u2019ve always meant to do so but never got around to it.\u00a0 I had read a blog on Judy Russell\u2019s Legal Genealogist site that mentioned the price may be going up dramatically so I decided the time was now and quickly followed through with the request.<\/p>\n

You must complete and index search request ($20.00) if you don\u2019t know the Case ID number. \u00a0A Case ID number is needed to request Alien Registration Forms (AR-2) and Naturalization Certificates (C-File) which are an additional $20.00-35.00. I was requesting two index searches, one for each of my maternal grandparents.<\/p>\n

In August, I received a letter in the US mail that provided me with a Case ID number for my grandmother.\u00a0 The letter referred me to the Department of Homeland Security website so that I could obtain the AR-2 and C-File.\u00a0 I tried to follow the directions but I was unable to gain access.\u00a0 Frustrated, I decided to try from different computers as I wasn\u2019t sure if cookie settings were the problem.\u00a0 After making a number of attempts from my home\u2019s laptop, desktop, Kindle, phone and my work computer I came to the conclusion it wasn\u2019t me.<\/p>\n

The only way to contact the agency is via email.\u00a0 I was livid when I received a response stating they would respond by December. \u00a0Seriously?!<\/p>\n

A survey popped up and I took the time to complete it;\u00a0 I mentioned the poor customer service access, the long delay between the letter’s date (July 8) and receiving it (date stamped August 18), lack of a functional website and that my initial request was for two searches and I only had one returned. I also sent an email to the agency on August 22 because their phones don’t work. \u00a0Here’s the response:<\/p>\n

“It is our goal to complete all requests\u00a0within 90 days\u00a0of receipt.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Nevertheless, due to an increased volume of requests we are now answering:<\/strong><\/p>\n