down but not out

It’s been a rough few days here in the Allison household. There’s just been a lot going on, a lot of frustration, and a lot of heartache. Then, in the midst of everything, I learned this afternoon that it will likely take several months to receive our CIS clearance. Ughhhh.

So, here’s the deal- on July 1, everything changed. In the past, all of the I-600As were processed on the state level; now, they are switching over to processing all of them in a centralized National Benefits Center. I could totally go off on my tirade about the evils of big government, but I’ll let Glenn Beck handle that. The super annoying part of all of this for us is that we find ourselves smack dab in the middle of this transition. They are spending the next few weeks simply entering all of the cases into their computer, and only after that is complete will they begin processing the cases. I was told this afternoon by a marginally helpful individual at the National Benefits Center that they aim for a 30 day turnover once our paperwork is in the hands of a caseworker. But because they are experiencing such a backlog right now, my expectations are low.

This news was certainly another blow to us today. We might be down, but we’re definitely not out. I know that God’s timing and plans are flawless, and I am so grateful to have the hope of the Gospel on days like these.

9 Comments on down but not out

  1. Libby
    July 14, 2010 at 2:05 am (15 years ago)

    so sorry to hear it's been a rough couple days. isaiah 40:27-31…one of my personal favorites.

    hope to see you guys (and your precious kiddos) again soon! we'll be back in raleigh on friday for a full week.

  2. Carrie
    July 14, 2010 at 11:17 am (15 years ago)

    I think you'll be pleasantly surprised with NBC's turnaround time. We were also caught in the transition and the processing was much faster than it had been at the local level. I suggest calling the NBC adoption hotline number again and perhaps you'll get a person on the other end of the line that is more helpful than you had yesterday. Ask them to look up your SIM number and get the status of your specific application. Good luck!

  3. Carrie
    July 14, 2010 at 11:17 am (15 years ago)

    I think you'll be pleasantly surprised with NBC's turnaround time. We were also caught in the transition and the processing was much faster than it had been at the local level. I suggest calling the NBC adoption hotline number again and perhaps you'll get a person on the other end of the line that is more helpful than you had yesterday. Ask them to look up your SIM number and get the status of your specific application. Good luck!

  4. Matt
    July 14, 2010 at 12:30 pm (15 years ago)

    someone should ask Catherine what's been going on… and by that I mean, someone needs to ask her about "teacup pigs" šŸ™‚

  5. Matt
    July 14, 2010 at 12:30 pm (15 years ago)

    someone should ask Catherine what's been going on… and by that I mean, someone needs to ask her about "teacup pigs" šŸ™‚

  6. Rachel
    July 14, 2010 at 8:20 pm (15 years ago)

    CatSew,
    I am praying for you guys!!! And for swift navigation through the red tape sea! I know I owe you a phone call, but in the meantime, whats up with 'teacup pigs'?

  7. Rachel
    July 14, 2010 at 8:20 pm (15 years ago)

    CatSew,
    I am praying for you guys!!! And for swift navigation through the red tape sea! I know I owe you a phone call, but in the meantime, whats up with 'teacup pigs'?

  8. Christina
    July 15, 2010 at 5:00 am (15 years ago)

    We are praying for you guys!! I know first hand how crazy you can get waiting for paperwork. CIS is on my blacklist for sure:) After 7 months of waiting, they rejected Holden's immigration application because of his passport photos?? I mean really, what are these people thinking…

  9. Christina
    July 15, 2010 at 5:00 am (15 years ago)

    We are praying for you guys!! I know first hand how crazy you can get waiting for paperwork. CIS is on my blacklist for sure:) After 7 months of waiting, they rejected Holden's immigration application because of his passport photos?? I mean really, what are these people thinking…