Diversity Visa Scam Website Reports
| Tracking # |
F-2015-12840 |
| Submitted | July 16, 2015 |
| Est. Completion | None |
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Communications
From: Carly Sitrin
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
I request all reports, documents, and internal communications between the Bureau of Consular Affairs and other departments (such as the Federal Trade Commission), regarding the Diversity Visa program scam targeting Iranians. These materials should include but not be limited to: copies/records of the fraudulent emails, reports of websites not affiliated with the U.S. government encouraging persons in Iran to apply for U.S. visas, and any complaints connected to the email scams (the emails targeting Iranians are particularly of interest).
These reports have been cited in the notice listed on the Bureau's website below:
http://travel.state.gov/content/dam/visas/Diversity-Visa/DV-Instructions-Translations/DV-2015-Instructions-Translations/Visa_Scam_Websites_Target_Iranians.pdf
Given that this FOIA is submitted in my capacity as a journalist, I request that I be categorized as a media requester for the purpose of fees.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that fees cannot be waived, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Carly Sitrin
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on July 16, 2015. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed.
Thank you for your help.
From: US Department of State - Bureau of Consular Affairs
A letter stating the request for reduced or waived fees has been rejected.
From: US Department of State - Bureau of Consular Affairs
An acknowledgement letter, stating the request is being processed.
From: FOIA Status
Dear Carly Sitrin,
This is in reference to your letter dated August 17, 2015 to the Office of Information Programs and Services (IPS), inquiring about the status of your Freedom of Information Act request. Your request was opened and assigned case number F-2015-12840. Please be advised that an acknowledgement letter was mailed to you on August 19, 2015. Your request has been forwarded to a team for case assignment and further processing. An estimated completion date will be provided to you as soon as the search process has begun.
We appreciate your patience during this process.
If you have any questions regarding the status of your request, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) on 202-261-8484 and refer to your case control number.
Sincerely,
Charlotte W. Duckett
U.S. Department of State
This email is UNCLASSIFIED.
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on July 16, 2015. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #F-2015-12840.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: FOIA Status
Dear Carly Sitrin,
This is in reference to your e-mail dated September 28, 2015, inquiring about the status of your Freedom of Information Act request. A copy of your e-mail has been forwarded to the office that is processing your request. Information will be provided to you as soon as it becomes available.
We appreciate your patience during this process.
If you have any questions regarding the status of your request, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) on 202-261-8484 and refer to your case control number.
Sincerely,
Charlotte W. Duckett
U.S. Department of State
From: FOIA Status
Dear Carly Sitrin,
This is a follow-up to your e-mail dated September 28, 2015. Our office was recently informed that the processing of your request is underway. The estimated completion date for your request is December 31, 2016.
Sincerely,
Charlotte W. Duckett
U.S. Department of State
This email is UNCLASSIFIED.
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on July 16, 2015. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #F-2015-12840.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: FOIA Status
Dear Carly Sitrin,
This is in reference to your e-mail dated November 16, 2015, inquiring about the status of your Freedom of Information Act request. The search process is continuing. The estimated completion date for your request is still December 2016.
We appreciate your continued patience during this process.
If you have any questions, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) on 202-261-8484 and refer to your case control number.
Sincerely,
Charlotte W. Duckett
U.S. Department of State
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on July 16, 2015. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #F-2015-12840.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: FOIA Status
Carly Sitrin,
The case is currently being processed. Each case is different and the processing time depends on the complexity of information requested, the location of the information, and the time it takes to review the records.
The estimated completion date (ECD) for this case is December 31, 2016.
ECDs are subject to change and are "strictly" estimates and not intended to be used as "actual" dates of completion, due to various extenuating factors, which are beyond the control of the Branch, which may or may not include coordination with other Agencies during the process (referrals, concurrences, etc.). Interim release dates are provided, as applicable.
I hope this information is helpful. If you have further concerns or any questions regarding any FOIA-related matter, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) at (202) 261-8484, or fax us at (202) 261-8579 or send an e-mail to foiastatus@state.gov.
Angela Burks
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
(202) 261-8484
foiastatus@state.gov
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on July 16, 2015. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #F-2015-12840.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: FOIA Status
Carly Sitrin,
The case is currently being processed. Each case is different and the processing time depends on the complexity of information requested, the location of the information, and the time it takes to review the records.
The estimated completion date (ECD) for this case is December 31, 2016.
ECDs are subject to change and are "strictly" estimates and not intended to be used as "actual" dates of completion, due to various extenuating factors, which are beyond the control of the Branch, which may or may not include coordination with other Agencies during the process (referrals, concurrences, etc.). Interim release dates are provided, as applicable.
I hope this information is helpful. If you have further concerns or any questions regarding any FOIA-related matter, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) at (202) 261-8484, or fax us at (202) 261-8579 or send an e-mail to foiastatus@state.gov<mailto:foiastatus@state.gov>.
Regards,
Suzanne B Gardner
Government Information Specialist
Office of Information Programs and Services
Advocacy and Oversight
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on July 16, 2015. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #F-2015-12840.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: FOIA Status
Ms. Sitrin,
Given the high volume of FOIA requests, in addition to a backlog which the Department is working diligently to reduce, there is presently a delay in the completion of FOIA requests.
The Department’s electronic case notes indicate the case is still open. The searches are still pending. Each case is different and the processing time depends on the complexity of information requested, the location of the information, and the time it takes to review the records.
The estimated completion date (ECD) for this case is: December 2016
- ECDs are subject to change.
- ECDs are “strictly” estimates and not intended to be used as “actual” dates of completions, due to various extenuating factors, which may or may not include coordination with other Agencies during the process (referrals, concurrences, etc.).
Interim release dates are provided, as applicable
I hope this information is helpful. If you have further concerns or any questions regarding any FOIA-related matter, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) at (202) 261-8484, or fax us at (202) 261-8582 or send an e-mail to foiastatus@state.gov
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
(202) 261-8484
foiastatus@state.gov
In accordance with Executive Order 13526, this message is UNCLASSIFIED
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on July 16, 2015. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #F-2015-12840.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: FOIA Status
Carly Sitrin–At this time the estimated completion date(ECD) is still December 30, 2016.
Regards,
Katrina
FOIA Requester Service Center
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on July 16, 2015. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #F-2015-12840.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: FOIA Status
Carly Sitrin–At this time the estimated completion date is still December 2016.
Regards,
Katrina
FOIA Requester Service Center
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on July 16, 2015. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #F-2015-12840.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: FOIA Status
Carly Sitrin-At this time the estimated completion date is still December 30, 2016.
Regards,
Katrina
FOIA Requester Service Center
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on July 16, 2015. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #F-2015-12840.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: FOIA Status
Ms. Sitrin,
The Department's electronic case notes indicate the case is still open. The searches are still pending. Each case is different and the processing time depends on the complexity of information requested, the location of the information, and the time it takes to review the records.
The estimated completion date (ECD) for this case is December 31, 2016.
ECDs are subject to change and are "strictly" estimates and not intended to be used as "actual" dates of completion, due to various extenuating factors, which are beyond the control of the Branch, which may or may not include coordination with other Agencies during the process (referrals, concurrences, etc.). Interim release dates are provided, as applicable.
I hope this information is helpful. If you have further concerns or any questions regarding any FOIA-related matter, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) at (202) 261-8484, or fax us at (202) 261-8579 or send an e-mail to foiastatus@state.gov.
Dominique Cotten
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
(202) 261-8484
foiastatus@state.gov
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on July 16, 2015. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #F-2015-12840.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: FOIA Status
Ms. Sitrin,
This is in reference to your e-mail dated July 25, 2016, inquiring about the status of your Freedom of Information Act request. The Department's electronic case notes indicate that the case is still open. The searches are still pending. Each case is different and the processing time depends on the complexity of information requested, the location of the information, and the time it takes to review the records.
The estimated completion date (ECD) for this case is December 31, 2016.
Please note that ECDs are subject to change and are "strictly" estimates and not intended to be used as "actual" dates of completion, due to various extenuating factors, which are beyond the control of the Branch, which may or may not include coordination with other Agencies during the process (referrals, concurrences, etc.). Interim release dates are provided, as applicable.
We hope this information is helpful. If you have further concerns or any questions regarding any FOIA-related matter, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) at (202) 261-8484, or fax us at (202) 261-8579 or send an e-mail to foiastatus@state.gov<mailto:foiastatus@state.gov>.
Sincerely,
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
(202) 261-8484
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on July 16, 2015. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #F-2015-12840.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: FOIA Status
Ms. Sitrin,
This is in reference to your e-mail dated August 24, 2016, inquiring about the status of your Freedom of Information Act request. The Department's electronic case notes indicate that the case is still open. The searches are still pending. Each case is different and the processing time depends on the complexity of information requested, the location of the information, and the time it takes to review the records.
The estimated completion date (ECD) for this case is December 31, 2016.
Please note that ECDs are subject to change and are "strictly" estimates and not intended to be used as "actual" dates of completion, due to various extenuating factors, which are beyond the control of the Branch, which may or may not include coordination with other Agencies during the process (referrals, concurrences, etc.). Interim release dates are provided, as applicable.
We hope this information is helpful. If you have further concerns or any questions regarding any FOIA-related matter, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) at (202) 261-8484, or fax us at (202) 261-8579 or send an e-mail to foiastatus@state.gov@@http://redirect.state.sbu/?url=mailto:foiastatus@state.gov<mailto:foiastatus@state.gov%3chttp://redirect.state.sbu/?url=mailto:foiastatus@state.gov@@>.
Sincerely,
Suzanne Gardner
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
(202) 261-8484
foiastatus@state.gov<mailto:foiastatus@state.gov>
From: US Department of State - Bureau of Consular Affairs
The request has been rejected by the agency.
From: US Department of State - Bureau of Consular Affairs
PLEASE DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS EMAIL.
CA/VO has completed action on your above-listed FOIA request insofar as the request seeks records held by the Consular Affairs Bureau of the Department of State. Please see the attached response. Any information in this transmission pertaining to the issuance or refusal of visas or permits to enter the United States shall be considered confidential under Section 222(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) [8 U.S.C. 1202]. Access to and use of such information must be solely for the formulation, amendment, administration, or enforcement of the immigration, nationality, and other laws of the United States under 222(f) and as specified in FAM guidance. If you have received such information in error, do not review, retransmit, disclose disseminate, use or take any action in reliance upon this information, and contact the sender as soon as possible. This email is Sensitive but Unclassified based on the definitions provided in 12 FAM 540."
Advisory Opinions Division
Visa Services
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Privacy/PII
This email is UNCLASSIFIED.
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