USCIS District Office — Local services in New York

It is only in August 2023 that I figured how to post this. Following my oath-taking on July 22, 2022, I found out this: “Posting reviews for 26 Federal Plaza disabled”.

USCIS’ notification letter regarding my oath-taking stated that I “respect the dignity of the ceremony”.

Ironic since security staff in this building disrespect people with their arrogant demeanor, sarcastic and rude manner they speak to people.

On top of that, while we were in line to enter the room in the 6th floor, another man was giving instructions on dos and don’ts also in an unprofessional manner. To be fair, he did remind all of us new US Citizens to “stay cool” after the ceremony as temperature on July 22, 2022 was at 95 degrees.

Supervisor Evan Brooks and his colleagues conducted the ceremony in a dignified way. I appreciated that his talk was informative, in particular, regarding our to -dos after pledging our allegiance to the US Flag🇺🇸, i.e., apply for a US passport, register to vote, obtain an SS card, etc.

I also appreciate the USCIS staff, who we joined in the elevator on the way up. He cared to tell us where to go and assured us that the long line moves. He was one of Mr. Evans’ colleagues who called names of oath-takers in order to hand them their US Naturalization Certificates. I managed to tell him on our way out that he is the nicest person I encountered on that significant day for me!

I agree with Maya Angelou that you “don’t forget how someone made you feel”. While USCIS was checking our papers, Mr. Evan Brooks walked by us and said make sure your form is completed and you have the required documents. When I lifted my hand holding the papers that he referred to, Mr. Evan Brooks said to me: “It’s a yes or a no. I do not need to look at it.”

Guess how he made me feel.

My memories of my oath-taking ceremony SHOULD HAVE BEEN feelings of absolute pride, gratitude and joy.

These days . . .

I am feeling joyful and grateful whenever I go through immigration in countries that we visit with a US passport. It’s a walk in the park! Prior to travels, I no longer have to apply for visas to 186 countries out of 193 which was always a laborious and costly process with two trips to...

Supposed to be traveling in 4 days. Booked this trip over a year ago and I am devastated knowing I will most likely not be going. I will lose thousands of dollars for nothing because the USCIS changed their system to obtain a I-551 Stamp. As soon as I realized my permanent resident card was missing I applied for a new one and waited for my biometrics appointment. Did the biometrics appointment and immediately called for the stamp. Was told I have to wait up the 30 days for a call just to make an appointment. Well I’m on day 21 and have yet to receive a call. Why on earth should it take 30 days for someone to call to simply make an appointment. It literally takes 20-30 mins to do the stamp! I have called 4 times pleading with them to please give me an appointment but it’s only urgent if it’s an emergency. I have been a resident of the United States for 13 years and will suffer a financial loss! I went into the office and tried pleading my case there but everyone who works for the USCIS is so unsympathetic. I was yelled at by an angry lady who clearly has had enough of people trying to obtain stamps as she told me we were in a pandemic (I’m not sure what that has to do with me getting a stamp). There was approx 2 people in the entire waiting area! It’s all just so exhausting - the fact that I now can’t even travel because I can’t obtain an appointment when it isn’t even busy...

Overall experience was alright. It was not great and not terrible. Security was the usual rude airport type check in but after I went to my room, the officers were polite. I was on the 9th floor and the officer who interviewed me was professional, straightforward, no nonsense kind of lady. At the end of the appointment, I told her that I would be traveling soon and She made a face then told me why I didn’t tell her this sooner. She told me to write a letter (did not say exactly what to write/ just assumed that I know). Anyways, I did the letter and it was accepted after she reviewed it once. I then proceeded to the fourth floor to wait with my mom who had her interview and the officers seemed more welcoming there. There was even an officer cracking jokes. So the takeaway to this review is depending on the attitude of the officer you get, you either get a bad or good experience. Just make sure you have all your documents well organized (passport, green card, state issued ID) and study your...