Re: USCIS Proposed Fee hikes

[Cheri Mello]

(Cross posted to Azores, Maderia, and IslandRoutes lists)

The fees for the United States Naturalization records are under review and the new increase will cost us over $600! We have ONE WEEK to write and complain. Below are some articles.

Dick Eastman's article:

https://blog.eogn.com/2019/11/15/uscis-proposes-fee-increases-for-genealogy-records/

Judy Russell's article with a place to complain (with samples and writing prompts). You must complete this by MONDAY, DECEMBER 16.

https://www.legalgenealogist.com/2019/11/21/records-not-revenue/

Judy Russell, The Legal Genealogist, blogged about this again. She says:

<<If this rule is adopted, the cost of getting a record search done at USCIS — the first step that lets us know if the agency actually holds records about a research target — will rise from $65 to $240. And the cost of getting a paper record identified in that record search, such as a visa file, will rise from $65 to $385. So a record that, today, costs a maximum of $130 will cost $625 if this rule goes into effect.

And that vastly higher fee will be for records that, in many cases, should have already been transferred to the National Archives and so available to us all for much lower fees.>>

Full article here.

https://www.legalgenealogist.com/2019/12/02/fight-the-fee-hikes/

Then someone (Ronnie French? Elaine Mello?) posted this.

<<My cousin followed Judy's advice and emailed Reclaim the Records. She said:

"I just got an email from Reclaim the Records, and they are talking to their lawyers about this.  Apparently, a lot of these records should have been turned over to NARA a while ago, but they urge everyone to comment on the https://www.recordsnotrevenue.com/? page in the hopes that they can in the short term stop the increase while they work on the long term to release the records."

1) Go to https://www.recordsnotrevenue.com/?  (Yes, the question mark is part of the URL). Read the information.

2) Open another tab with the writing prompts at: https://www.recordsnotrevenue.com/conversation-starters/

(I blended a couple of them together).

3) Then submit it via their portal. This must be done by DECEMBER 16th! >>

I'm going to keep sending this email to the list(s) every couple of days until December 16th! All U.S. researchers need to write in!!

Thank you to all who will take the 5-10 minutes to write in!

Cheri Mello, An avid, hard-core, die-hard genealogist

On Sun, Dec 1, 2019 at 9:30 AM Cheri Mello <gfsc...@gmail.com> wrote:

(Cross posted to Madeira and Island Routes lists)

Dick Eastman, as well as Judy Russell (The Legal Genealogist) wrote about the huge price increase for U.S. Naturalization records. The new fees are ridiculous! Over $600 total!!

Dick Eastman's article:

https://blog.eogn.com/2019/11/15/uscis-proposes-fee-increases-for-genealogy-records/

Judy Russell's article with a place to complain (with samples and writing prompts). You must complete this by MONDAY, DECEMBER 16.

https://www.legalgenealogist.com/2019/11/21/records-not-revenue/

My cousin followed Judy's advice and emailed Reclaim the Records. She said:

<<I just got an email from Reclaim the Records, and they are talking to their lawyers about this.  Apparently, a lot of these records should have been turned over to NARA a while ago, but they urge everyone to comment on the https://www.recordsnotrevenue.com/? page in the hopes that they can in the short term stop the increase while they work on the long term to release the records.>>

1) Go to https://www.recordsnotrevenue.com/?  (Yes, the question mark is part of the URL). Read the information.

2) Open another tab with the writing prompts at: https://www.recordsnotrevenue.com/conversation-starters/

(I blended a couple of them together).

3) Then submit it via their portal. This must be done by DECEMBER 16th!

I'm going to keep sending this email to the list(s) every few days until December 16th!

Thank you to all who will take the 5-10 minutes to write in!

Cheri Mello, An avid, hard-core, die-hard genealogist

[Cheri Mello]

(Cross posted: Azores, Madeira, IslandRoutes lists)

When I was 10 years old, my immigrant ancestor, who was my great-grandmother, was still alive. I received a photocopy of her naturalization certificate for my history project for school. Pretty cool! She became a U.S. Citizen in 1956. Her husband was already deceased and I was told he didn't want to become a U.S. Citizen. Or so says the family story.

The 1940 U.S. Federal Census tells a different story though:

In the Citizenship column, it states that Manuel Mello has filed papers (at least as of April 1940). His wife, is still listed as an Alien.

Want to know how much faith I have in the USCIS finding the CORRECT Manuel Mello? This much: .  Yep, that little dot. That's not much faith in them finding the correct Manuel Mello for the current $65 USD. And there's absolutely NO WAY I'd order it for $240. And that's just for them to LOOK for it. I'd rather look myself. I would do a much better job than the government employee.

And what about his 2 sisters that came to America and stayed on the east coast? The citizenship data is missing on the 1940 on one sister. I'd love to scour the records myself to see if she naturalized or not. Wouldn't it be great to access these records ourselves?

Please write to Records Not Revenue and leave a comment. It takes about 10 minutes. We need a ton of responses whether or not you have the information on your immigrant ancestor or not.

1) Go to https://www.recordsnotrevenue.com/?  (Yes, the question mark is part of the URL). Read the information.

2) Open another tab with the writing prompts at: https://www.recordsnotrevenue.com/conversation-starters/

(I blended a couple of them together).

3) Then submit it via their portal. This must be done by DECEMBER 16th!

Thanks everybody! Cheri

[Sam (Camas, WA)]

Not that I think that they will listen to us but; I have submitted my comments.

 

Sam (Mazatlán, MX)

 

From: Cheri Mello
Sent: Tuesday, December 10, 2019 9:05 PM
To: madeira-...@googlegroups.com; Island...@googlegroups.com; Azores Genealogy
Subject: [AZORES-Genealogy] Re: USCIS Proposed Fee hikes

 

(Cross posted: Azores, Madeira, IslandRoutes lists)

 

When I was 10 years old, my immigrant ancestor, who was my great-grandmother, was still alive. I received a photocopy of her naturalization certificate for my history project for school. Pretty cool! She became a U.S. Citizen in 1956. Her husband was already deceased and I was told he didn't want to become a U.S. Citizen. Or so says the family story.

 

The 1940 U.S. Federal Census tells a different story though:

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Azores Genealogy" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to azores+un...@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/azores/CAKUUw_GrEA0%3D03_PyueKQNEkb4XaJ%2B%2BdoKohcqMLLAFQcyBB-Q%40mail.gmail.com.

 

[acor...@gmail.com]

Done

Sent from my iPhone

On Dec 11, 2019, at 8:34 AM, 'Sam (Camas, WA)' via Azores Genealogy <azo...@googlegroups.com> wrote:



Not that I think that they will listen to us but; I have submitted my comments.

 

Sam (Mazatlán, MX)

 

From: Cheri Mello
Sent: Tuesday, December 10, 2019 9:05 PM
To: madeira-...@googlegroups.com; Island...@googlegroups.com; Azores Genealogy
Subject: [AZORES-Genealogy] Re: USCIS Proposed Fee hikes

 

(Cross posted: Azores, Madeira, IslandRoutes lists)

 

When I was 10 years old, my immigrant ancestor, who was my great-grandmother, was still alive. I received a photocopy of her naturalization certificate for my history project for school. Pretty cool! She became a U.S. Citizen in 1956. Her husband was already deceased and I was told he didn't want to become a U.S. Citizen. Or so says the family story.

 

The 1940 U.S. Federal Census tells a different story though:

<40512D6E6AD348C9B9B71E05DCB2DC1E.png>

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/azores/5df11a82.1c69fb81.9047c.0d94SMTPIN_ADDED_MISSING%40gmr-mx.google.com.

<40512D6E6AD348C9B9B71E05DCB2DC1E.png>

[Cheri Mello]

Thank you Sam.

Once in a while, I am surprised and they DO listen. We have to TRY. If only those records could be scanned by NARA so we could access them!

Cheri Mello
Listowner, Azores-Gen
Researching: São Miguel island: Vila Franca, Ponta Garca, Ribeira Quente, Ribeira das Tainhas, Achada

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/azores/5df11a82.1c69fb81.9047c.0d94SMTPIN_ADDED_MISSING%40gmr-mx.google.com.

[Sam (Camas, WA)]

I totally agree that we have to try and yes, if the “noise” was loud enough in protest, we might have a hope.  I did specifically state that the records should be available for us to personally peruse.

 

Sam (Mazatlán, MX)

 

From: Cheri Mello
Sent: Wednesday, December 11, 2019 10:57 AM
To: Azores Genealogy
Subject: Re: [AZORES-Genealogy] Re: USCIS Proposed Fee hikes

 

Thank you Sam.

 

Once in a while, I am surprised and they DO listen. We have to TRY. If only those records could be scanned by NARA so we could access them!

Cheri Mello
Listowner, Azores-Gen
Researching: São Miguel island: Vila Franca, Ponta Garca, Ribeira Quente, Ribeira das Tainhas, Achada

 

 

On Wed, Dec 11, 2019 at 8:34 AM 'Sam (Camas, WA)' via Azores Genealogy <azo...@googlegroups.com> wrote:

Not that I think that they will listen to us but; I have submitted my comments.

 

Sam (Mazatlán, MX)

 

From: Cheri Mello
Sent: Tuesday, December 10, 2019 9:05 PM
To: madeira-...@googlegroups.com; Island...@googlegroups.com; Azores Genealogy
Subject: [AZORES-Genealogy] Re: USCIS Proposed Fee hikes

 

(Cross posted: Azores, Madeira, IslandRoutes lists)

 

When I was 10 years old, my immigrant ancestor, who was my great-grandmother, was still alive. I received a photocopy of her naturalization certificate for my history project for school. Pretty cool! She became a U.S. Citizen in 1956. Her husband was already deceased and I was told he didn't want to become a U.S. Citizen. Or so says the family story.

 

The 1940 U.S. Federal Census tells a different story though:

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/azores/CAKUUw_EbxwQHR0PozMMeuic%2B2tmVhaDz3sH_9_L%2BSB%3D7OuwCGg%40mail.gmail.com.

 

[Cheri Mello]

Cross posted to Azores, Madeira, and IslandRoutes lists.

The deadline to squawk about the records increase has now been moved to Monday, Dec. 30th.

I read an article in the Washington Post. For some who want dual citizenship, you'll need that naturalization file of your immigrant ancestor. We've discussed dual citizenship on the Azores list before. It's probably been discussed on the Madeira and IslandRoutes lists as well. Maybe you're not interested in dual citizenship today. Maybe you will be in a few years. And then you'll be paying $600 for that file.

Also, all researchers should care about the issues involved, even if your research does not include these historical records. What can be done to one type of record can be done to others!

1) Go to https://www.recordsnotrevenue.com/?  (Yes, the question mark is part of the URL). Read the information.

2) Open another tab with the writing prompts at: https://www.recordsnotrevenue.com/conversation-starters/

(I blended a couple of them together).

3) Then submit it via their portal. This must be done by DECEMBER 30th!

Thank you to all who will take the 5-10 minutes to write in!

Cheri Mello, An avid, hard-core, die-hard genealogist

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/azores/5df123e9.1c69fb81.d95bd.189cSMTPIN_ADDED_MISSING%40gmr-mx.google.com.

[Gordon soares]

Cheri should not be carrying the heavy load on this price increase. Search a little? Then this will affect you when you want a record and this google group may not be able help you. Search a lot and you’re in for some heavy fees that will be hard to pass on to others who need your help. Get off the dime and support this google group and make your own feelings known. 

Gordon

Sent from my iPhone

On Dec 12, 2019, at 6:13 PM, Cheri Mello <gfsc...@gmail.com> wrote:



To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/azores/CAKUUw_EOPEMy-d5HVcYDOrZwwYz8HGsqZzK8vscJY6kx6LVv%2Bw%40mail.gmail.com.

[JesseAndDeborah Mendonca]

Thanks Gordon,

Yes.   Everyone needs to get their response in ASAP so we can enjoy the holidays.  But get friends and neighbors and family too.   It’s US records and it affects all of us.  So if you are doing genealogy for your entire family, make it easy for them to put in a response, too.    

Debbie

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/azores/42FFF218-6E25-4F47-B119-DB12942C0476%40gmail.com.

[Marilyn Thompson]

I really think contacting your congressmen/women will help. I sent an email to mine. Yesterday I heard on the radio a short blurb from him saying he is looking into the reason for the raise in price. He is also asking for an audit of that department. He stated that the fee should match the actual cost of the work done to obtain the requested record.

I am so excited to think that by contacting my congressman might make a difference for many people.

Marilyn

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/azores/CAJ7050sezoL%2BonRv2FyndLEav6KAb9x0DEUryY2vOfW755%2B-ng%40mail.gmail.com.

[JesseAndDeborah Mendonca]

Great idea, Marilyn.  What a great guy to make it public right away.   And his reasoning is a good way to say it.  

Thank you,

Debbie

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/azores/CAJyL4ejcg47WnpOwKzochE-yHcMo63gwX%3DVZOgbBpNiS8pi-Rg%40mail.gmail.com.

[Cheri Mello]

(Cross posted again)

Here's an article about U.S. Congressman, Mitt Romney, requesting an audit or accounting of the USCIS and a lot of other information:

https://www.deseret.com/2019/12/11/21005211/romney-immigration-services-fee-hikes-family-history-research-genealogy-program-ancestry-mormon

Cheri Mello
Listowner, Azores-Gen
Researching: São Miguel island: Vila Franca, Ponta Garca, Ribeira Quente, Ribeira das Tainhas, Achada

[Gordon soares]

Encourages me to write my Senators and Congressman again and this time point out Mitt Romney’s action

Gordon

Sent from my iPhone

On Dec 14, 2019, at 5:55 PM, Cheri Mello <gfsc...@gmail.com> wrote:



--

You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Azores Genealogy" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to azores+un...@googlegroups.com.

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/azores/CAKUUw_GY9cC6VHbygWc2GFnGMNAVPeu1cpgUZgcuAyEHN-%2BQLQ%40mail.gmail.com.

[Cheri Mello]

(Cross posted Azores, Madeira, Island Routes)

There's only 1 week left to squawk about the fees being hiked at the USCIS. It doesn't matter if you have your naturalization or alien registration on YOUR ancestors. You still need to speak up about it. They will raise the fees on other records too. We need to stop the madness now. Here is Judy Russell, The Legal Genealogist's blog about it.

https://www.legalgenealogist.com/2019/12/23/one-week-left/

Cheri Mello
Listowner, Azores-Gen
Researching: São Miguel island: Vila Franca, Ponta Garca, Ribeira Quente, Ribeira das Tainhas, Achada

[Cheri Mello]

(Cross posted Azores, Madeira, Island Routes)

We have only 3 days left to speak up about the outrageous fee hikes for immigration, naturalization, or alien registration records. They are going up to over $600!

From Judy Russell, The Legal Genealogist. She says:

<<If this rule is adopted, the cost of getting a record search done at USCIS — the first step that lets us know if the agency actually holds records about a research target — will rise from $65 to $240. And the cost of getting a paper record identified in that record search, such as a visa file, will rise from $65 to $385. So a record that, today, costs a maximum of $130 will cost $625 if this rule goes into effect.

And that vastly higher fee will be for records that, in many cases, should have already been transferred to the National Archives and so available to us all for much lower fees.>>

And once these go up, they will find others to raise the fees on as well. You want dual citizenship? You'll have to pay these fees too.

1) Go to https://www.recordsnotrevenue.com/?  (Yes, the question mark is part of the URL). Read the information.

2) Open another tab with the writing prompts at: https://www.recordsnotrevenue.com/conversation-starters/

(I blended a couple of them together). Or copy and paste sentences from a couple of other comments if you not much of a writer.

3) Then submit it via their portal. This must be done by DECEMBER 30th! >>

I'm posting this every day until December 30th. We need more people to write in.

Cheri Mello
Listowner, Azores-Gen
Researching: São Miguel island: Vila Franca, Ponta Garca, Ribeira Quente, Ribeira das Tainhas, Achada

[Rob Whaite]

Good luck to you Americans about these fee hikes. Governments being what they are I think you are going to need all the luck you can get!!

Hopefully enough people will complain!! Best wishes from South Australia.

Rob

Another avid,hardcore die hard Genealogist.

--

You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Azores Genealogy" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to azores+un...@googlegroups.com.

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/azores/CAKUUw_E%2BYd57KZGWzqrLcqWkjoUkzoUWkzQQcxVcdT8JJir%2BNA%40mail.gmail.com.

[Cheri Mello]

Right now, the Records Not Revenue site is down. :(

Cheri Mello
Listowner, Azores-Gen
Researching: São Miguel island: Vila Franca, Ponta Garca, Ribeira Quente, Ribeira das Tainhas, Achada

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/azores/CAEGUQY8OOLuYkMjL_cJbQibB8xhDzZm%3DAf%2BOoQvp%2Bhxh8rf6tg%40mail.gmail.com.

[JesseAndDeborah Mendonca]

Using this link that you posted previously, I was able to comment and send copies to my senators and representative. It outlines the issue and gives help.  Her letter has links near the bottom of the page to everywhere you need to go to send the comment.  The government site was up and running.

Judy Russell's article with a place to complain (with samples and writing prompts). You must complete this by MONDAY, DECEMBER 16.

https://www.legalgenealogist.com/2019/11/21/records-not-revenue/

 (The online Federal Register comment system here is where she directs you to go.)   

Debbie

--

You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Azores Genealogy" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to azores+un...@googlegroups.com.

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/azores/CAKUUw_HQd7aS5ZBc4AN%3D4nokmqBkaR4ybYi6eks1KPaw82A2BQ%40mail.gmail.com.

[Cheri Mello]

(Cross posted to Azores, Madeira, IslandRoutes)

OK, the main Records Not Revenue site still says it's down and there is a redirect. Now there's a workaround. Comments are due TOMORROW, MONDAY, DECEMBER 30. Not the previously posted date. So do it now. Here's the revamped step by step (abridged and detailed).

Two steps, abridged:

1) YOU HAVE TO MENTION BOTH THE GENEALOGY PROGRAM AND THE DHS DOCKET NO. USCIS-2019-0010 IN YOUR COMMENT!!!!!

(Sorry for the bold and red, I'm trying to be sure you put this part in)

2) Go here: https://beta.regulations.gov/document/USCIS-2019-0010-0001

IF YOU ARE SHORT ON TIME go to the comments and read a few a blend a couple together. That link is here:

https://beta.regulations.gov/document/USCIS-2019-0010-0001/comment

Two steps, a little more detail:

1) You should go here and the information: https://www.recordsnotrevenue.com/? (yes the ? is part of the URL). Don't have time? Basically, it says: <<On 14 November 2019, U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) proposed a sudden and unprecedented 492% increase in fees required to access historical records held by the USCIS Genealogy Program. Many of these records should already be publicly accessible under the law. USCIS is essentially holding them hostage, demanding individuals pay exorbitant and unjustifiable fees to access documents of our immigrant ancestors. All researchers should care about the issues involved, even if your research does not include these historical records. What can be done to one type of record can be done to others!>>

Some of the records affected: A-Files, C-Files, Alien Registration Files, Visa Files, Japanese Internment documentation, replacement naturalization papers, and more.

Here are some of their suggested writing prompts:

YOU HAVE TO MENTION BOTH THE GENEALOGY PROGRAM AND THE DHS DOCKET NO. USCIS-2019-0010 IN YOUR COMMENT!!!!!

(Sorry for the bold and red, I'm trying to be sure you put this part in).

2) Post your comments here: https://beta.regulations.gov/document/USCIS-2019-0010-0001

Please do it today!

Cheri Mello, List owner, Azores-Gen, among other things

[Cheri Mello]

(Cross posted to Azores, Madeira, IslandRoutes)

Comments are due TODAY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 30. Do it now. Here's the revamped step by step (abridged and detailed).

Two steps, abridged:

1) YOU HAVE TO MENTION BOTH THE GENEALOGY PROGRAM AND THE DHS DOCKET NO. USCIS-2019-0010 IN YOUR COMMENT!!!!!

(Sorry for the bold and red, I'm trying to be sure you put this part in)

2) Go here: https://beta.regulations.gov/document/USCIS-2019-0010-0001

IF YOU ARE SHORT ON TIME go to the comments and read a few a blend a couple together. That link is here:

https://beta.regulations.gov/document/USCIS-2019-0010-0001/comment

Two steps, a little more detail:

1) You should go here and the information: https://www.recordsnotrevenue.com/? (yes the ? is part of the URL). Don't have time? Basically, it says: <<On 14 November 2019, U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) proposed a sudden and unprecedented 492% increase in fees required to access historical records held by the USCIS Genealogy Program. Many of these records should already be publicly accessible under the law. USCIS is essentially holding them hostage, demanding individuals pay exorbitant and unjustifiable fees to access documents of our immigrant ancestors. All researchers should care about the issues involved, even if your research does not include these historical records. What can be done to one type of record can be done to others!>>

Some of the records affected: A-Files, C-Files, Alien Registration Files, Visa Files, Japanese Internment documentation, replacement naturalization papers, and more.

Here are some of their suggested writing prompts:

YOU HAVE TO MENTION BOTH THE GENEALOGY PROGRAM AND THE DHS DOCKET NO. USCIS-2019-0010 IN YOUR COMMENT!!!!!

(Sorry for the bold and red, I'm trying to be sure you put this part in).

2) Post your comments here: https://beta.regulations.gov/document/USCIS-2019-0010-0001

Please do it NOW!

Cheri Mello, List owner, Azores-Gen, among other things

(Cross posted to Azores, Madeira, IslandRoutes)

OK, the main Records Not Revenue site still says it's down and there is a redirect. Now there's a workaround. Comments are due TOMORROW, MONDAY, DECEMBER 30. Not the previously posted date. So do it now. Here's the revamped step by step (abridged and detailed).

Two steps, abridged:

1) YOU HAVE TO MENTION BOTH THE GENEALOGY PROGRAM AND THE DHS DOCKET NO. USCIS-2019-0010 IN YOUR COMMENT!!!!!

(Sorry for the bold and red, I'm trying to be sure you put this part in)

2) Go here: https://beta.regulations.gov/document/USCIS-2019-0010-0001

IF YOU ARE SHORT ON TIME go to the comments and read a few a blend a couple together. That link is here:

https://beta.regulations.gov/document/USCIS-2019-0010-0001/comment

Two steps, a little more detail:

1) You should go here and the information: https://www.recordsnotrevenue.com/? (yes the ? is part of the URL). Don't have time? Basically, it says: <<On 14 November 2019, U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) proposed a sudden and unprecedented 492% increase in fees required to access historical records held by the USCIS Genealogy Program. Many of these records should already be publicly accessible under the law. USCIS is essentially holding them hostage, demanding individuals pay exorbitant and unjustifiable fees to access documents of our immigrant ancestors. All researchers should care about the issues involved, even if your research does not include these historical records. What can be done to one type of record can be done to others!>>

Some of the records affected: A-Files, C-Files, Alien Registration Files, Visa Files, Japanese Internment documentation, replacement naturalization papers, and more.

Here are some of their suggested writing prompts:

YOU HAVE TO MENTION BOTH THE GENEALOGY PROGRAM AND THE DHS DOCKET NO. USCIS-2019-0010 IN YOUR COMMENT!!!!!

(Sorry for the bold and red, I'm trying to be sure you put this part in).

2) Post your comments here: https://beta.regulations.gov/document/USCIS-2019-0010-0001

Please do it today!

Cheri Mello, List owner, Azores-Gen, among other things

[E. Sharp]

Here in Sacramento on the news this morning they spoke about this and about people writing in to complain about the new fees.

“E”

Sent from my iphone

[Cheri Mello]

CNN picked it up today too. Why does the news media wait until the last day??

Did you write in?

Cheri Mello
Listowner, Azores-Gen
Researching: São Miguel island: Vila Franca, Ponta Garca, Ribeira Quente, Ribeira das Tainhas, Achada

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Azores Genealogy" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to azores+un...@googlegroups.com.

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/azores/0022B8D8-A0E1-4DF2-B84C-78A6361F27A5%40gmail.com.

[Cheri Mello]

(Cross posted to Azores, Madeira, IslandRoutes)

Comments are due IN 3 HOURS, TODAY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 30. Do it now. Here's the revamped step by step (abridged and detailed).

Two steps, abridged:

1) YOU HAVE TO MENTION BOTH THE GENEALOGY PROGRAM AND THE DHS DOCKET NO. USCIS-2019-0010 IN YOUR COMMENT!!!!!

(Sorry for the bold and red, I'm trying to be sure you put this part in)

2) Go here: https://beta.regulations.gov/document/USCIS-2019-0010-0001

IF YOU ARE SHORT ON TIME go to the comments and read a few a blend a couple together. That link is here:

https://beta.regulations.gov/document/USCIS-2019-0010-0001/comment

Two steps, a little more detail:

1) You should go here and the information: https://www.recordsnotrevenue.com/? (yes the ? is part of the URL). Don't have time? Basically, it says: <<On 14 November 2019, U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) proposed a sudden and unprecedented 492% increase in fees required to access historical records held by the USCIS Genealogy Program. Many of these records should already be publicly accessible under the law. USCIS is essentially holding them hostage, demanding individuals pay exorbitant and unjustifiable fees to access documents of our immigrant ancestors. All researchers should care about the issues involved, even if your research does not include these historical records. What can be done to one type of record can be done to others!>>

Some of the records affected: A-Files, C-Files, Alien Registration Files, Visa Files, Japanese Internment documentation, replacement naturalization papers, and more.

Here are some of their suggested writing prompts:

YOU HAVE TO MENTION BOTH THE GENEALOGY PROGRAM AND THE DHS DOCKET NO. USCIS-2019-0010 IN YOUR COMMENT!!!!!

(Sorry for the bold and red, I'm trying to be sure you put this part in).

2) Post your comments here: https://beta.regulations.gov/document/USCIS-2019-0010-0001

Please do it NOW!

Cheri Mello

[Deb McCabe]

Cheri,

Thanks for the many reminders.  With the holidays before me, I kept thinking, "I will get to this tomorrow."  I finally got it done.  Without your nudging, I might not have.  

All of us on the Azores and Madeira lists are lucky that you are so dedicated to our Portuguese heritage.

Happy New Year.

Deb McCabe

When I searched for ancestors, I found friends!

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Azores Genealogy" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to azores+un...@googlegroups.com.

To view this discussion on the web visit

https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/azores/CAKUUw_F3uBJqo%2BG_RkSjwuaxtygFNy8DUmx9CZLjDPDhq1iw-Q%40mail.gmail.com

.

[Cheri Mello]

Thanks Deb!

Cheri Mello
Listowner, Azores-Gen
Researching: São Miguel island: Vila Franca, Ponta Garca, Ribeira Quente, Ribeira das Tainhas, Achada

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/azores/755087074.5151400.1577768365992%40mail.yahoo.com.

[Gordon soares]

If you haven’t... you need to if you either are quitting your research or have a lot of money!!!

This is important 

Gordon Soares

Sent from my iPhone

On Dec 30, 2019, at 6:23 PM, Cheri Mello <gfsc...@gmail.com> wrote:



(Cross posted to Azores, Madeira, IslandRoutes)

Comments are due IN 3 HOURS, TODAY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 30. Do it now. Here's the revamped step by step (abridged and detailed).

Two steps, abridged:

1) YOU HAVE TO MENTION BOTH THE GENEALOGY PROGRAM AND THE DHS DOCKET NO. USCIS-2019-0010 IN YOUR COMMENT!!!!!

(Sorry for the bold and red, I'm trying to be sure you put this part in)

2) Go here: https://beta.regulations.gov/document/USCIS-2019-0010-0001

IF YOU ARE SHORT ON TIME go to the comments and read a few a blend a couple together. That link is here:

https://beta.regulations.gov/document/USCIS-2019-0010-0001/comment

Two steps, a little more detail:

1) You should go here and the information: https://www.recordsnotrevenue.com/? (yes the ? is part of the URL). Don't have time? Basically, it says: <<On 14 November 2019, U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) proposed a sudden and unprecedented 492% increase in fees required to access historical records held by the USCIS Genealogy Program. Many of these records should already be publicly accessible under the law. USCIS is essentially holding them hostage, demanding individuals pay exorbitant and unjustifiable fees to access documents of our immigrant ancestors. All researchers should care about the issues involved, even if your research does not include these historical records. What can be done to one type of record can be done to others!>>

Some of the records affected: A-Files, C-Files, Alien Registration Files, Visa Files, Japanese Internment documentation, replacement naturalization papers, and more.

Here are some of their suggested writing prompts:

<image.png>

YOU HAVE TO MENTION BOTH THE GENEALOGY PROGRAM AND THE DHS DOCKET NO. USCIS-2019-0010 IN YOUR COMMENT!!!!!

(Sorry for the bold and red, I'm trying to be sure you put this part in).

2) Post your comments here: https://beta.regulations.gov/document/USCIS-2019-0010-0001

Please do it NOW!

Cheri Mello

On Mon, Dec 30, 2019 at 9:02 AM Cheri Mello <gfsc...@gmail.com> wrote:

(Cross posted to Azores, Madeira, IslandRoutes)

Comments are due TODAY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 30. Do it now. Here's the revamped step by step (abridged and detailed).

Two steps, abridged:

1) YOU HAVE TO MENTION BOTH THE GENEALOGY PROGRAM AND THE DHS DOCKET NO. USCIS-2019-0010 IN YOUR COMMENT!!!!!

(Sorry for the bold and red, I'm trying to be sure you put this part in)

2) Go here: https://beta.regulations.gov/document/USCIS-2019-0010-0001

IF YOU ARE SHORT ON TIME go to the comments and read a few a blend a couple together. That link is here:

https://beta.regulations.gov/document/USCIS-2019-0010-0001/comment

Two steps, a little more detail:

1) You should go here and the information: https://www.recordsnotrevenue.com/? (yes the ? is part of the URL). Don't have time? Basically, it says: <<On 14 November 2019, U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) proposed a sudden and unprecedented 492% increase in fees required to access historical records held by the USCIS Genealogy Program. Many of these records should already be publicly accessible under the law. USCIS is essentially holding them hostage, demanding individuals pay exorbitant and unjustifiable fees to access documents of our immigrant ancestors. All researchers should care about the issues involved, even if your research does not include these historical records. What can be done to one type of record can be done to others!>>

Some of the records affected: A-Files, C-Files, Alien Registration Files, Visa Files, Japanese Internment documentation, replacement naturalization papers, and more.

Here are some of their suggested writing prompts:

<image.png>

YOU HAVE TO MENTION BOTH THE GENEALOGY PROGRAM AND THE DHS DOCKET NO. USCIS-2019-0010 IN YOUR COMMENT!!!!!

(Sorry for the bold and red, I'm trying to be sure you put this part in).

2) Post your comments here: https://beta.regulations.gov/document/USCIS-2019-0010-0001

Please do it NOW!

Cheri Mello, List owner, Azores-Gen, among other things

(Cross posted to Azores, Madeira, IslandRoutes)

OK, the main Records Not Revenue site still says it's down and there is a redirect. Now there's a workaround. Comments are due TOMORROW, MONDAY, DECEMBER 30. Not the previously posted date. So do it now. Here's the revamped step by step (abridged and detailed).

Two steps, abridged:

1) YOU HAVE TO MENTION BOTH THE GENEALOGY PROGRAM AND THE DHS DOCKET NO. USCIS-2019-0010 IN YOUR COMMENT!!!!!

(Sorry for the bold and red, I'm trying to be sure you put this part in)

2) Go here: https://beta.regulations.gov/document/USCIS-2019-0010-0001

IF YOU ARE SHORT ON TIME go to the comments and read a few a blend a couple together. That link is here:

https://beta.regulations.gov/document/USCIS-2019-0010-0001/comment

Two steps, a little more detail:

1) You should go here and the information: https://www.recordsnotrevenue.com/? (yes the ? is part of the URL). Don't have time? Basically, it says: <<On 14 November 2019, U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) proposed a sudden and unprecedented 492% increase in fees required to access historical records held by the USCIS Genealogy Program. Many of these records should already be publicly accessible under the law. USCIS is essentially holding them hostage, demanding individuals pay exorbitant and unjustifiable fees to access documents of our immigrant ancestors. All researchers should care about the issues involved, even if your research does not include these historical records. What can be done to one type of record can be done to others!>>

Some of the records affected: A-Files, C-Files, Alien Registration Files, Visa Files, Japanese Internment documentation, replacement naturalization papers, and more.

Here are some of their suggested writing prompts:

--

[Cheri Mello]

(Cross posted again)

The commenting period is closed. Thanks to those who made the effort to respond.

Cheri Mello
Listowner, Azores-Gen
Researching: São Miguel island: Vila Franca, Ponta Garca, Ribeira Quente, Ribeira das Tainhas, Achada

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/azores/A46CEF1F-7EEA-46F1-BA54-2FE740D0E448%40gmail.com.