Third class

I lost my green card(permanent resident card).  I need it in order to re-enter the United States after our trip to Scotland.  Several weeks ago I E-filed my application.  After E-filing I mailed my supporting documents to the office, along with a check for $300!

I received an appointment card in the mail a few weeks ago.  The card stated that I needed to appear in person to have my fingers prints done.

Today was my  appointment. The closest office to me is in Jacksonville, FL about 2 hrs and 45 minutes way.

I was up, out the door, and on the road before 7am!  I arrived with over an hour to spare. If you’ve never had the pleasure of visiting such an office you are totally missing out.

The doors are locked, and you cannot enter until the security guard checks you ID, and appointment card.

Once you enter the office you are stripped searched go through the metal detectors.  You are given a number. The security guard then tells you what color of instructions to follow.

“Follow the yellow instructions on the wall”, she mumbled.

I filled out another application, handed over all my supporting documents once again.  I was told to have a seat and listen for my number.

Finally my number was called, and my finger prints were taken. Once my finger prints were taken, I explained my situation.  I was told to go to the kiosk and make another appointment (WTF?).  The lady assured me, my appointment time would be for today.

I entered all of my info, and the only appointment that was showing up was for Oct 1st in the Atlanta office.

You are not allowed to approach any employees without being told to do so.  Doing so will result in you being removed from the building.   So I walked over to the security guard, and asked if there was anyone I could talk too.  She said only if you have an appointment.

I explained I did have an apt to have my finger prints taken, but I had an additional question.  I was told that no one could answer my question if I did not have an appointment to speak with an immigration officer. 

I started to panic, I just took the entire day off work, drove over 2 1/2 hours, and was thinking of all of the money I was going to loose on my ticket..

I decided to take a risk and walked over to the lady who had helped my with my finger prints. I told her that there was appointments available   today in their office, but because I have a Georgia zip code, it was only showing me appointments in the ATL office.

The lady told me don’t worry they will see you.

To make a really long story short, I headed to the immigration officers desk to put my papers in his basket.  On the way over the security guard stopped me. 

Firstly she scolded my for having gum, in my mouth.  She told me to spit it in the trash can.  “Don’t you see the no food sign” she said in a nasty tone. 

I tired to explain  what was going on and she kept shutting me down. I told her that I had an apt to have my finger prints taken but I needed to ask the immigrations office a question.  She said make an appointment.  I told I tired to make one, but it is giving me an appointment in Atlanta.

She said are you a Georgia resident. I said yes. Then you shouldn't be in this office.  This is a Florida office (no shit?)  I understand this is a Florida office.  When I received my appointment card it stated I was to show up at this office, I told her.   See your address is right here.

At one point she said  do you need to be removed the building because you are not a Florida resident, you shouldn't even be in here.  WTF?

The security guard was so rude, she was speaking to me as if I was stupid.  As if I didn't deserve respect because I am not a US citizen. I pay taxes, and  am married to a US citizen. I am here legally! It isn't my fault I was born in Scotland.

I was getting upset again.  I knew that if I did not speak to someone today I would not be going to Scotland in two weeks.

Thankfully an immigration office who was sitting with his feet upon his desk, bored, took note of what was going on.  He called me over to his desk, and told me to ignore the security guard.

He told me he would issue me a temporary card. THANK YOU GOD! I couldn’t stop thanking him for helping me.

Before I left I took note of both of the security guards names.  I plan to file a complaint.  I can honestly say I have never been treated that bad in my life.

Maybe I should become a US citizen.