The distinct advantage, for us, to submitting our I600-A in person to the limited services immigration office here in Rochester was that we got an immediate referral for our fingerprints. I waded through the choices on the immigration offices phone system to be sure we didn't need an appointment. Yes, we had to go to Buffalo, but as it turned out we were going to make the trip to see Steve's parents anyway. So 2 days after submitting our paperwork we had our prints done! We put 75¢ into the parking meter hoping we could be done in 45 minutes. Optimistic! Once we got past security at the immigration building, with Steve's parents in tow we all made it through after several re-checks of the lint in our pockets, everything went so smoothly. The digital prints are so cool and so much easier than the ink kind.
We were treated tersely and I had a pang of sorrow for all the immigrants to the USA who have to deal with these blocks of woods who bark instructions in their direction. Welcome to America! Once we were called in to give our prints, and they realized we were adopting their demeanor changed completely--warm and personable. Go figure. I know they probably are always on guard, they probably have to deal with a lot of people in high-stress situations.
So, 50¢ into our time at the parking meter we were done. Awesome, we were off to the botanical gardens for a tropical escape among all the Upstate NY snow banks.
Hello, AAA? We have a flat tire. Precious optimism crushed.
AAA was great, and yes we made it to the botanical gardens for a short tour and it was the perfect ending to a great day. 20 fingers down, we now have a record with the FBI and we are that much closer to our baby girl.
I don't even remember how I got to your blog (from someone's blog comments) but I live in Rochester too! Good luck with your l-o-n-g wait but you are headed toward an amazing experience! I have 4 children adopted from China.
Barbara
Posted by: Barbara | February 23, 2007 at 07:35 PM