USCIS status change affecting DETR benefits - what to ask?
Hey everyone, I'm in a bit of a pickle. My alien status recently changed and I've got an application processing with USCIS. Now I'm worried about how this might affect my unemployment benefits. Has anyone been through something similar? What kind of questions should I be asking when I finally get through to a DETR rep?
23 comments


Mei Chen
Oof, that's a tough situation. Here's what I'd ask: 1. How does your current USCIS application status affect your DETR benefits? 2. Are there specific documents you need to provide about your alien status change? 3. Will this change delay or alter any of your benefit payments? Hope this helps! Keep us posted on what they say.
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Jamal Harris
•Thanks so much! These are exactly the kind of questions I was looking for. I'll definitely use these when I talk to them.
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Liam Sullivan
•Good list! I'd also ask about any potential overpayment issues. Sometimes changes in status can trigger that, and you dont want to be caught off guard later.
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Mei Chen
•Oh yeah, great point! Definitely ask about that too, OP. Overpayments can be a real headache to deal with later.
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Amara Okafor
man, i feel for you. the whole system is so messed up. i've been waiting on hold for hours trying to get through to someone about my own issues. its like they dont even want to help us 🤬
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CosmicCommander
Have you tried contacting your local congressman's office? Sometimes they can help speed things up or get you answers when you're dealing with federal agencies like USCIS.
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Jamal Harris
•I hadn't even thought of that! Great idea, I'll look into it. Thanks!
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Giovanni Colombo
•This! 👆 My cousin did this and it actually worked. Worth a shot for sure.
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Fatima Al-Qasimi
Ugh, DETR is the worst. I swear they change the rules every other day. Good luck getting any straight answers from them. 🙄
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Dylan Cooper
•ikr? its like playing whack-a-mole with these guys. just when you think youve figured it out, they throw a new curveball
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Sofia Ramirez
Hey, I found a way to actually get someone on the phone! I used this site's (claimyr.com) calling tool that dials the phone menu, stays on hold, waits for a live agent to pick up, then sends the call to my phone. It does cost $20, but it works. Here's a video about it: https://youtu.be/joPqgg0bRFw
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Dmitry Volkov
•Sounds too good to be true. Are you sure it's legit?
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Sofia Ramirez
•Yeah, I was skeptical at first too, but I tried it and it actually worked. Saved me hours of frustration.
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StarSeeker
•How long did it take for them to call you back?
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Sofia Ramirez
•It took about 2 hours for me, but I've heard it can vary depending on how busy they are. Still way better than being stuck on hold yourself!
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Ava Martinez
Make sure you document EVERYTHING. Every call, every letter, every change in your status. Trust me, it'll save you a lot of headaches down the road if there are any disputes.
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Jamal Harris
•That's really good advice. I'll start keeping a detailed log. Thanks!
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Miguel Ortiz
Has anyone else noticed that the DETR website is down... again? 🤦♂️ How are we supposed to update our info or check on our claims if the site never works?
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Zainab Omar
•Classic DETR move. They probably update their systems using Windows 95 or something 😂
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Connor Murphy
•I swear it's down more often than it's up. Maybe we should start a betting pool on when it'll actually work lol
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Yara Sayegh
Just a heads up, there's a new form you might need to fill out for changes in alien status. It's buried deep in their website (when it's working lol). I'll try to find the link and post it here later.
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Jamal Harris
•Oh wow, thanks for the tip! I'll keep an eye out for that link. Really appreciate it!
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NebulaNova
anyone else feel like were all just stuck in this giant bureaucratic maze? its like a kafka novel come to life 😵💫
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