My office processes hundreds of inquiries each year concerning immigration, naturalization and visas. This page contains links to help answer many of the most frequently asked questions that my office receives. I hope you find them helpful.  If you have further questions, or are having personal difficulties with the agency, please call my Rochester district office at 585-232-4850.  The Privacy Act of 1974 protects your confidential personal records from unauthorized release. Therefore, before Representative Slaughter's office can seek information on your behalf, you must fill out a privacy waiver and fax it to our office, (585) 232-1954, or mail it to:

U.S. Representative Louise Slaughter
3120 Federal Building
100 State Street
Rochester, NY 14614

Helpful Links

United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

The USCIS National Customer Service Center

Questions About My Case

Center for Border Patrol Immigration-Related Field Offices - Information is provided on all of CBP-related District Offices, Sub Offices, some of their Ports of Entry, as well as our overseas offices and Border Patrol sectors.

Contact Information for United States Citizenship and Immigrations Services' Buffalo office

Naturalization Questions - The most important function of the CIS is assisting legal immigrants to become naturalized citizens. The paperwork associated with becoming a citizen can be intimidating and overwhelming. Visit this site for help in determining your eligibility, where you can apply, what forms you will need and answers to many of the most frequently asked questions about the naturalization process.

Forms and Fees   - The CIS now provides many of its forms online. To access the forms that can be downloaded to your computer and to download the latest fee schedule click here. The INS recognizes that the fees associated with filing a petition sometimes cannot be paid. They have developed criteria and a process for determining if you might be eligible for a waiver. Generally, the INS can waive a fee if they feel the applicant's ability to pay is impaired for some reason.

Emergency Travel - Many legal permanent residents or refugees must travel outside of the U.S. before they become citizens. This link will help with the process of obtaining a reentry permit so you can reenter the U.S..  Caution: You must obtain your travel document before you leave the U.S. for any reason. 

Humanitarian Parole - Frequently, my office is asked how to bring someone to the United States before the application for the relative becomes current and they are eligible to enter. The CIS has the discretion to parole someone into the U.S. for humanitarian reasons, if it deems the case meets certain criteria. This so-called Humanitarian Parole cannot be used to circumvent normal visa issuance procedures. This link assists with information about the humanitarian parole process and application criteria.

Social Security - For information on your rights and responsibilities under Social Security, including how to apply to obtain a Social Security number and a Social Security card, click this link.  

U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs Visa Services 

Links to United States Embassies and Consulates Worldwide