Registering Birth Abroad - Usa

[sunny6301]

Would like to point out that the S Embassy seems to be currently involved in a scam.

8 years ago, I registered my daughter and received the certificated along with a new passport without a hitch. However yesterday after providing all the necessary paperwork for my 1 year old son, all went well and I watched as my application was signed and told we will be contacted by the embassy in 3 weeks to pick everything up.

Then 2 hours after leaving the embassy I received a vague phone call explaining that I need to read my email. When asking what is the problem, the represen replied like a shuddering 8 year old and refused to answer any questions.

Returning home I received the following email:

As mentioned in my phone call to you, a Consular Officer needs to be convinced of a parent’s genetic relationship to their child in order for them to be able to transmit their U.S. citizenship to them. After talking with you during the interview, and reviewing the case afterwards, more proof is necessary to determine this genetic connection in your case.

One way of doing this is through DNA testing. We don’t require it, but it would be very useful in this matter.

Please see attachment.

Please call with any questions.

Sincerely,

Bill Barry

American Citizen Services Officer

U.S. Embassy Bangkok

Tel: 02-205-4049

Fax: 02-205-4103

my reply was as following:

After talking with you during the interview, and reviewing the case afterwards, more proof is necessary to determine this genetic connection in your case.

One way of doing this is through DNA testing. We don’t require it, but it would be very useful in this matter.

your quote states, 'we don't require DNA testing, what are the other alternatives?

I am extremely disappointed to be told my application was approved while in the embassy today, and then 2 hours later receiving a very vague phone call explaining I can only check my email for more information.

During this visit to the embassy I had additional paperwork that was never asked for that could have easily resolved this issue.

Again my question quoting your statement in the email sent by your office, what other proof is necessary to determine the genetic connection in this case?

Meanwhile researching, their request from one of the DNA kit providers on their list, here is more info from one of them.

Clinical Testing and Research, Inc. in Ridgewood NJ.

(1-888-837-5267) $970.00 for the DNA test.

This does not include the cost of hiring a doctor to administer the test within the US Embassy.

This leaves me absolutely disgusted by this entire event is I have registered my daughter 8 years ago without any of these requirements... and being told yesterday that all paperwork was complete, everyone being friendly and now being told 'you are all set, see you in 3 weeks' why is this now happening.

A phone call to the US Embassy was placed was, put I was put on hold and then ignored and then hung up 20 minutes later.

My return email (shown above) simply quoting what alternatives are available since they quote DNA is not required,my return email seen above was also ignored.

I caution to all parties involved when registering a US Citizen, as something is extremely wrong here to see all paperwork provided, then signed, provide full payment, but then receive no explanation as to why they refuse further communication.

[Soutpeel]

I understand your upset about this, but have trouble in seeing the scam in this

What you did 8 years ago has absolutely no bearing on what is required today, sorry to say if they say they are not convinced and need further proof and its a DNA test that provides this proof guess you just have to put your hand in your pocket and pay.

[TerryLH]

I'd wait the 3 weeks and return when they told me to.

Probably the worst that can happen is that they will want something else.

[sunny6301]

I'd wait the 3 weeks and return when they told me to.

Probably the worst that can happen is that they will want something else.

they told me on the phone call the application is turned down, and asked me to read the email sent to me (see above). returning in 3 weeks ignoring the email is only going to waste more time.

any suggestions appreciated, my wife are are extremely upset, for them to approve the app by signing the app and then calling back is unprofessional. I am stuck figuring out why they won't communicate with us by email or phone call on Friday. We live near Hua Hin and took tome to prepare all paperwork and for this to happen is causing great stress from myself and wife, The additional time and huge costs we are now looking at along with suggesting our son is not ours is insulting.

[sunny6301]

I understand your upset about this, but have trouble in seeing the scam in this

if you were to purchase something in full, receive a receipt, then receive a phone call refusing to answer ANY questions, including why we can't come back to discuss the matter, represents an unethical position which one would call 'scam'

[Soutpeel]

I understand your upset about this, but have trouble in seeing the scam in this

if you were to purchase something in full, receive a receipt, then receive a phone call refusing to answer ANY questions, including why we can't come back to discuss the matter, represents an unethical position which one would call 'scam'

Receiving a receipt on an application for something doesn't infer that something has been accepted/approved, people apply for visa's, pay money over, receive a receipt, but this doesnt mean the visa will be approved.

I do agree with you that conduct shown by the embassy appears to be very unprofessional in the refusal to answer your questions, and that point needs to be addressed by someone at the embassy, but requesting you provide further "information" prior to approving something can hardly been seen as being unethical, insulting or a scam

guess what I am saying is if you want to register your child you are going to have to dance to their tune, it appears they hold all the cards

[sunny6301]

I understand your upset about this, but have trouble in seeing the scam in this

if you were to purchase something in full, receive a receipt, then receive a phone call refusing to answer ANY questions, including why we can't come back to discuss the matter, represents an unethical position which one would call 'scam'

when you purchase something, watch the officer sign the document as complete, and then hands you a receipt, tells you the come back in 3 weeks to pickup the certificate and passport... What exact;u do you call that transaction ?

[Soutpeel]

I understand your upset about this, but have trouble in seeing the scam in this

if you were to purchase something in full, receive a receipt, then receive a phone call refusing to answer ANY questions, including why we can't come back to discuss the matter, represents an unethical position which one would call 'scam'

when you purchase something, watch the officer sign the document as complete, and then hands you a receipt, tells you the come back in 3 weeks to pickup the certificate and passport... What exact;u do you call that transaction ?

Does the "counter engineer" you dealt with even have the authority to say this ? after all if it was as simple as this they wouldnt need 3 weeks to provide documentation to you, they could do it there and then

I suspect official approval of documentation would not be within this persons remit, documentation has been passed to the "proper department" and they have raised a query and asked that you provide additional information, yes annoying I know...but still not a scam etc

[IMA_FARANG]

Sorry to say this but the first sentence of that email has the whole answer.

As mentioned in my phone call to you, a Consular Officer needs to be convinced of a parent’s genetic relationship to their child in order for them to be able to transmit their U.S. citizenship to them. After talking with you during the interview, and reviewing the case afterwards, more proof is necessary to determine this genetic connection in your case.

In short...they need proof that he is actually your son.

I agree that they should have told you that directly at the interview....and their conduct was unprofessional at best.

However, you need to understand, that by simply accepting your application and then giving you a reciept does NOT mean that they approved your application at that time.

They should have been more clear to you at that interview...and they should have told you that the reciept only indicated that:

1. They were accepting your request for consideration and that's what the reciept acknowledges.

2. That a final decision had not yet been made (at that interview).

3. That until a final decision was made they had the right to request further proof of you being the father.

But they failed to make you understand those points...which is poor judgement for them.

But I believe you have the right to a meeting with them to explain to you exactly what steps they want you to take.

Ask POLITELY if you can talk to that person who sent you the email.

Do NOT get confrontive or beligerent with that person....but just ask for clarification on what is the exact problem.

If you do have extra evidence...be sure to bring it with you to any meeting....and don't be afraid to present it.

They take the matter of proof of being a U.S. citizen by birth very seriously...and you must be able to convince them...and their supervisors...of that fact.

[sunny6301]

Now, 3 days later, I am receiving the complete run around. There has been no replies to my emails, 2 phone calls have be left the embassy with out a single return phone call.

Note: The application was signed and I was told to my face... "Your application is now complete, please come back in 3 weeks to pickup the papaerwork and passport"

Why won't they return my calls, why won't they reply to my emails? This is extremely unprofessional on the US Embassy's part.

[thaihome]

Now, 3 days later,...

...

Now, 3 days later, I am receiving the complete run around. There has been no replies to my emails, 2 phone calls have be left the embassy with out a single return phone call.

Note: The application was signed and I was told to my face... "Your application is now complete, please come back in 3 weeks to pickup the papaerwork and passport"

Why won't they return my calls, why won't they reply to my emails? This is extremely unprofessional on the US Embassy's part.

, please come back in 3 weeks to pickup the papaerwork and passport"

Why won't they return my calls, why won't they reply to my emails? This is extremely unprofessional on the US Embassy's part.

The reason couldn't be because it has not been 3 weeks yet, could it?

TH

[ManOnTheRoad]

Refuse the DNA and Bring them to court , heard similar problems before and in the end the family won

[Soutpeel]

Refuse the DNA and Bring them to court , heard similar problems before and in the end the family won

There is nothing to refuse....the embassy hasnt told him to get a DNA test, they have mearly suggested it, as a means to provide further proof

"One way of doing this is through DNA testing. We don’t require it, but it would be very useful in this matter"

[Mario2008]

If the daughter is with the same woman as his son, the request would seem a bit strange. That there is a previous child would suggest a steady relationship and would cause less suspicion about the parenthood of the child.

[sunny6301]

One way of doing this is through DNA testing. We don’t require it, but it would be very useful in this matter.

this is a direct quote from the startling phone call we received after being told everything was approved. We are mow tol a fee of close $10,000 for a DNA Test must be sent from Amerca, and on top of that a Thai doctor must me paid to administer it resulting in more money and time wasted.

Again according to their email there is an alternative but all attempts of this information is being ignore !

[Soutpeel]

One way of doing this is through DNA testing. We don’t require it, but it would be very useful in this matter.

this is a direct quote from the startling phone call we received after being told everything was approved. We are mow tol a fee of close $10,000 for a DNA Test must be sent from Amerca, and on top of that a Thai doctor must me paid to administer it resulting in more money and time wasted.

Again according to their email there is an alternative but all attempts of this information is being ignore !

Thought the price of the kit was "$970.00 for the DNA test" how come jumped to $10k ?

[sunny6301]

One way of doing this is through DNA testing. We don’t require it, but it would be very useful in this matter.

this is a direct quote from the startling phone call we received after being told everything was approved. We are mow tol a fee of close $10,000 for a DNA Test must be sent from Amerca, and on top of that a Thai doctor must me paid to administer it resulting in more money and time wasted.

Again according to their email there is an alternative but all attempts of this information is being ignore !

Thought the price of the kit was "$970.00 for the DNA test" how come jumped to $10k ?

ok 970 dolloars, stil makes me wat to thow up

[attrayant]

Refuse the DNA and Bring them to court

Hmm, a thousand bucks and three weeks for a DNA test or ten thousand (likely more) and three months (likely more) for litigation. Decisions, decisions...