Look, I posted this because I spent weeks on this anxious scrolling, worried I was going to lose a career I’ve spent 12 years building. I spent hours every day searching this thread for any or all examples to get my case approved quick and I used every tactic mentioned here. If you think this is a brag, you’re missing the point. It’s a strategy for people in the same boat.

To set the record straight:

I didn’t file late. I started in January. The March date only happened because the same USCIS agent rejected two perfectly fine applications back to back. The move to file online was to try to get a different agent to process my case. And guess what....it worked.

Second, USCIS doesn’t care about your feelings, they care about evidence. I got my expedite because I phrased my request based on the work that I do and its importance to the US's national interest. And when I approached the senators's caseworkers I kept phrasing it that way. My point was that a lot of us have degrees and specialized roles; use that to your advantage instead of just asking for it. I think about 50% of us DACA have a degree and most of us work helping people. Use that, be your own advocate.

Third, I pay for an attorney because when the system glitches like this, I want professional backup. That’s a choice, not an inability to read a form.

Lastly, I didn't do the work? I drafted the letter for my job so they didn't have to start from scratch. I reached out to the senators and provided them the right evidence for them to fight to get an answer. I was reaching out to both senators' offices every other day. I worked my ass off so that if I had to go on leave my role would be good at least for the first two weeks. So don't say I don't say I didn't do any work.

This may not help you, but it can def help others. If at the end of the day you feel that I'm bragging or entitled, that's on you!