This blog post is about my husband's quest to immigrate to the USA from Canada. From the time I started the paperwork for Bob's "Green Card" in March, two years ago. Once all the paperwork was done and there was a lot of it. Fees paid on both sides. Then the "interview," which went smoothly. He moved down to New York from Hamilton, Ontario on 8/18/16. As soon as we could I took him to the Social Security Office to apply for a S.S.Card. Days turned into weeks and weeks turned into months. He found out that his card was "Lost In The Mail." He was told that he would need to reapply, which he did. For some unknown reason it would have to go to Homeland Security again. It had already gone through H.S. and was passed through. He had a number, but needed a card.
In the US if you don't have a S.S.Card you can't get a license, because of this he can't get his Canadian Drivers License switched over to a New York State Drivers License. I don't understand why the S.S. Office can't just print him another card and give it to him. I'm afraid a new card will get "Lost In The Mail" like the first one did. Or... Some other way of getting it to him without using the Postal Service here in the US.
My husband got a job within two weeks of moving down to the States. If he doesn't show his Social Security Card to his Employer within the next thirty days he is going to be fired. If my husband isn't working here he can be sent back to Canada, which will devastate me. Not only that, if he was sent back he has nowhere to go, nowhere to stay while he looks for a job to support himself.
We found out from a friend of mine that he should get in touch with Senator Cathy Young to see if she could help. So my husband emailed her and as of today hasn't heard anything back.
I thought I would tweet this to her and also get some exposure in case someone else could help us. If there is anyone who can help us in getting his card from the S.S.Office it would be greatly appreciated.
This is the email which my husband sent to Senator Cathy Young:
Robert DeWolfe
9 Strong Street
Jamestown NY
14701
November 26, 2016
Senator Catherine Young
2-6 E. Second Street,
Fenton Building, Suite 302
Jamestown, New York,NY 14701
Dear Senator Young
My name is Robert DeWolfe and I am a resident of Jamestown NY.
I immigrated to the United States from Canada on August 18th 2016. I married my wife, Jeannee DeWolfe (nee Koterass) of Jamestown on new years day 2014. Naturally, it was our desire to live together. As such, I planned to relocate in order to be with my love.
The subsequent immigration process took over two years to complete. But it was my desire to complete the process the “right way” as opposed to simply moving to Jamestown illegally and beginning the process from here.
On August 24th, I applied for my Social Security Card. On September 12th, I commenced employment with the Resource Center in Jamestown. My job entails working with developmentally delayed adolescents and adults. I've had a 30+ year career working with disadvantaged people. It was my wish to continue my career here in Jamestown.
My Social Security card still has not arrived even though my Permanent Resident card came in the mail weeks ago. According to the local Social Security Office, my Card was mailed out on September 16th. It never arrived. Social Security told me to talk to the Post Office. The Post Office told me to talk to Social Security. The result is, I've had to reapply for my card, which I did on October 27th.
Not having my Social Security Card has presented myriad difficulties. I can't get a NY state drivers license. Because of this, I cannot get my car registered which created enormous difficulties for my wife and I to get to work (Jeannee drives Special Needs school bus here in Jamestown). I've had difficulty getting Health Insurance, getting a Primary Care physician (Though I've since resolved these issues). But I cant even get a bank account.
The worst repercussion though, is that not having a Social Security Card might cost me my job. The Resource Center has not been able to complete my Police Background check. As a result, they cannot continue to employ me after 90 days.
Senator Young, I have tried my best to make my move to the United States the “right way”. I was employed within weeks of relocating. I have been giving back to the community within the context of my job and I am a contributing member of American society, which is the point of immigrating here. America allows me to live with my wife on the condition that I am a contributing member of society, which I have been. But with out employment, I won't be able to afford to remain in the United States of America. I won't be able to continue to contribute to American Society. I won't be able to continue to help some of New York State's most needy citizens. And this would be a shame. But worst of all, it means I might not be able to live with my wife, the thought of which brings tears to my eyes.
So I am requesting your assistance Senator, in either assisting with expediting my Social Security card so that I may continue to work and live with my wife. Or in lieu of that, perhaps appealing to the Resource Center to continue to allow me to work for them until this process is finally settled.
I thank you in advance for any assistance you can render.
Sincerely,
Robert DeWolfe
9 Strong Street
Jamestown NY
14701
