If you can’t get an answer from USCIS in a timely fashion, or if you feel you have been treated unfairly, my office may be able to help resolve a problem or get you the information you need. While we cannot guarantee you a favorable outcome, we will do our best to help you receive a fair and timely response to your problem. Residents of the 5th Congressional District of Massachusetts can contact me for assistance by filling out the Privacy Act waiver linked below.

The Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. § 552a) requires that Members of Congress or their staff have written authorization before they can obtain information about an individual’s case. We must have your signature to proceed with this type of request. Please complete the linked Privacy Act waiver in full — and do not leave any section blank, unless it is not applicable.  The following is required by USCIS on the Privacy Act waiver:

• The name, current address, date of birth, and place of birth of the petitioner or applicant;
• The name of the Member to whom the information can be released, and the release names the congressional office as the only authorized recipient;
• The subject matter to which the requested information relates (e.g., immigration benefit or form number);
• A statement authorizing release of the information;
• A handwritten signature that is either notarized or made under penalty of perjury by the subject of the records, even if outside the United States. See 28 U.S.C. 1746;
• A full translation of any non-English text, as well as the translator’s certification of competence to translate the foreign language into English. Anyone, paid or unpaid, can provide a translation as long as they certify that they are competent to translate from the foreign language into English.

Please note that USCIS does note accept digital signatures. Examples of digital signatures include those created by a typewriter, word processor, stamp, personal identification number (PIN), signature templates, autopen or other similar devices. Questionable signatures may require additional verification and thus delay the resolution of your inquiry.  The Privacy Act waiver must be written in first person (e.g. “I am requesting an update on my I-485 application”), and cannot contain any third party information, including attorneys, even if there is a G-28 on file.

After you fill out, print, and sign the linked form, please mail your completed Privacy Act waiver alongside all applicable I-797 receipt notices and any other relevant documents to:

Office of Congresswoman Katherine Clark
Attn: Constituent Services
157 Pleasant Street, Suite 4
Malden, MA 02148