I am not sure shifting citizenship activities from the Immigration and Naturalization Service to the State Department would improve customer service (“Dismantle INS, federal panel urges,” Main news, Aug. 5).
I was born overseas to a U.S. serviceman and legally changed my name several years ago. I applied to the State Department’s Correspondence Branch to have my citizenship record amended to reflect my new name. They cashed my check, but for the last 2 1/2 years have ignored repeated letters, faxes and telephone calls about the status of my application. The local authorities in my birthplace amended my birth record years ago, and I have been forced to apply to the INS for new proof of U.S. citizenship. The INS say it will be ready in about six months’ time.
So much for the State Department’s customer-service edge!
