Monday, August 9, 2010

USCIS

United States something something something ... That's where we spent part of Wednesday last week.

The husband's permanent resident card came up for renewal this year, so we sent them some money and they sent us a letter saying he had to go in for "biometrics" on August 4 at 11 a.m. and if he didn't show up, his application would be denied. Well then.

We took the older kids to DisGrace's house and ran away. We had to drive about an hour to get to the office. I was under the impression that there was to be an interview because of how his family talked about it at our last visit with them. Not so much.

There was a sign on the door saying cell phones, cameras, recording devices, etc., were prohibited and if you were caught with one, you'd be removed from the premises. The husband and I turned off our phones and went in. He handed the security guard his letter and green card, and we sat for about 20 minutes. Then the receptionist called him up, gave him more instructions, and gave him a number. About 10 minutes later, he was called back for the biometrics stuff.

The baby was sleeping but I knew I'd need to feed her while we were there or she would not be happy. The husband didn't want me to nurse in public (NIP) because he thought I could be arrested. Um, no, there are laws protecting breastfeeding moms from being harrassed. So, while the husband was off getting his fingerprints and pictures, I moved to a corner and nursed her under a blanket.

About 5 minutes after we sat down initially, however, I noticed the giant sign on the guard's desk, reiterating the "no phone" rule. Then I noticed the security guard playing on his iPhone.

If it hadn't been illegal of me to do so, I would've taken a picture.

1 comment:

amyb5984 said...

Biometrics are fun, yeah??? Nope!!! I heard the UK was going to quit requiring them. We shall see. I had to submit my visa app within 10 days after the biometrics.

Can't take phones to the US Embassy in London either. A nearby small chemist (drugstore) is raking in a mint babysitting people's phones.