20 August 2009

i heart jane

I am so tired of negotiating my way through the paperwork jungle. And, this current jungle is made of paper from my beloved country, the good ol' US of A.

E-mailed the embassy and got no helpful advice. I think government employees take a perverse pleasure in being inscrutable to the general public. I called USCIS and got an endlessly looping recorded message.

So, I called my social worker. I love my social worker. Love. her.

She said all of this is not a big deal. She said to fly and and get Sasha's expedited passport and come back to Russia. She told me to apply for the CoC with my Embassy address and everything should be fine. AND, she said the CoC wasn't really that important and could be applied for later if there's a problem. (I wonder if I could wait to apply for it until we have a new president in office to sign it. Hmmm....)

So, that's what I'm going to do. I'm going to fly to the US (not sure where--but not Hawaii)

(Digresssion: When I was in Finland I bought Sasha a swimsuit, thinking if I was prepared for Hawaii I wouldn't have to go. Genius! And the suit was under 5 euro. Thus the bikini rule: If you're contemplating a purchase of a possibly-needed item and it costs less than 5 euro, buy it. Barb and I invoked this rule often during the trip.)
and sort things out in as few days as possible. And then I'm flying back. And, on the way, I'm stopping in Frankfurt. To see my social worker.

13 comments:

Debbie said...

Our CoC wasn't signed by the President - I think the head of USCIS but would have to check... maybe a policy change in the last few months?

votemom said...

but you will get a letter from the president congratulating her for becoming a citizen.

votemom said...

and i know detroit is kind of far, but, i mean - it would be great. G.R.E.A.T.

Lindsay said...

Hmmm, Frankfurt a.M. is *only* an 8 hour drive away. Or a cheap flight. If you want to visit.

Holly said...

Too bad you're not in Eastern Russia with a need to fly into San Francisco! If you find yourself here, let me know!

Annie said...

Votemom - I live in Michigan, too - and also vote Detroit. SUCH a great place to visit!!!

Maura said...

Your social worker rocks!

If you end up in NYC or Boston, I'll put in a vote for a N.E. visit...or a place to stay if you need one!

Melissa said...

And if you end up in ATL, I'll drive over to say hi! :)

sunny said...

You won't get an automatic COC because of your situation? Why do you have to apply. Sorry if you've already covered that.
Serena

Debbie said...

Votemom - we didn't get anything from the Pres and we've been back 5-months tomorrow... is it something I maybe have to request?

Marshwiggles said...

Putting a vote in for a stopover in the midwest... oh, say, Cincinnati? Lovely international airport...

Barb said...

Your social worker DOES rock. Maybe the bikini can be used at a hotel pool . . .?

Unknown said...

Did you get this figured out? There is a new guy at the Embassy who is someone in charge...his name is Peter...I have his contact information if you need it.