I submitted two requests for USCIS records in November 2021.  I have received two letters a couple of months ago stating that they were still working on my request.  Recently, however, when I have checked the status online, it now reads “Closed”.  If records were on the way, I would think it would read “Completed”.  Does anyone know what they intend to mean by “Closed”?  Thank you!
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Perry M. Shorris

On Wed, Jan 11, 2023 at 07:24 PM, Perry Shorris wrote:

I submitted two requests for USCIS records in November 2021.  I have received two letters a couple of months ago stating that they were still working on my request.  Recently, however, when I have checked the status online, it now reads “Closed”.  If records were on the way, I would think it would read “Completed”.  Does anyone know what they intend to mean by “Closed”?  Thank you!
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Perry M. Shorris

 I would wonder if they couldn't find the records and therefore listed it as closed. Did you try HIAS? Feigie Teichman

This happened to me when requesting a Visa packet in February 2020.  I first requested the index search.  I received a letter stating the index number was found and I could then request the record search.  After paying the second $65, USCIS was not able to find the record.  The online case status read "Closed".  The letter I received from them read that the record was either missing or lost from their record holdings.  They encouraged me to wait a few years and try again, since they are constantly finding records in the wrong places (my words, not theirs).  They refunded my $65.

You will receive a letter soon indicting the problem.  If not, email Genealogy.USCIS@....  I am dealing with them now on a payment I made in August that they have no record of and hence did not send me the Visa file.  After I showed them proof of payment, they are now doing it.  It is nice that they acknowledge their problems.

Best of luck,

Marlise Gross
Cherry Hill, NJ

Thanks - that is discouraging, but possibly the right explanation.  I had a great-grandfather who came over under an assumed name, so I was hoping to find some kind of letters or affidavits that might explain the reasons.  I will wait to see what I get from USCIS.
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Perry M. Shorris

Hello All
If you receive a notification that the status is "closed" but you have not received what you requested, immediately email Genealogy.USCIS@uscis.dhs.gov (if that gets truncated, the email address is Genealogy (dot) USCIS (at) USCIS (dot) dha (dot) gov ). Provide all the details of your request and put the GEN ID# in the subject line and body of the email.

Secondly, if you receive language that reads "the Department is working with the records holding facility to rectify this issue [missing records] through records reconciliations and auditing procedures" and they suggest you wait a few years and try again, be angry. Write to your member of Congress and let them know you are receiving poor service, and request help. Ask your member of Congress if they can find out exactly when you should request again, or if they can get additional details on the "auditing and reconciliation procedures." RecordsNotRevenue.com has tried to get information on this statement and it is our understanding that there are no known reconciliation or auditing procedures taking place.

If you have received such a letter and are willing to share it with RecordsNotRevenue, please contact me privately.

thank you
Renee Carl
Washington DC

I just wanted to follow up and let everyone know that I received the USCIS documents I ordered.  So “closed” does not necessarily equate with a failure to receive documents.
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Perry M. Shorris