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Lost passport and Visa documents in SFO airport

Discussion in 'Indians in Los Angeles' started by vidukarth, Jul 10, 2012.

  1. vidukarth

    vidukarth Platinum IL'ite

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    Hi,

    Our relatives just landed in SFO on Friday and checked into a hotel the same day.
    They got through port of entry and had immigration clearance. When they checked into the hotel they realised that their entire backpack with laptop, passports (4 of them - 3 Indian passports, one US passport, PIO card, cheque books), Mac laptop were missing. They are in such a shock and have contacted police and they are still trying to figure it out.

    We have advised them to check the security cameras at the hotel. They commuted through a Cab and had enquired with him. The driver mentioned there were no luggages in the cab.

    Could you please advise on the next steps?

    Thanks
     
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  2. knbg

    knbg Moderator Staff Member IL Hall of Fame

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    Vidu,
    Sorry to know that dear.
    We lost our baggage at the Airport and we lodged a complaint at the airport with the details of the bag lost ( color, contents in the bag etc, They took our address and said they would deliver the bag at home.
    We chose to wait there and we got the bag an hour later.
    Wishing you good luck.
     
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  3. Nandshyam

    Nandshyam IL Hall of Fame

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    So they might have lost in many places - Airport, Cab, Hotel. If it's airport, since with the latest terrorist alerts any unattended bags should be taken by police and we can hope that they receive it.
    If it's cab, I highly doubt. The thing is the passports and other information is of no use to him, but laptop is $$$$. And if he is really a shady guy, he could sell these passport informations for $$$$ as well.
    If hotel, unless someone stole it, people would have returned it to the front desk.

    My bet is they would have forgot it in the cab.

    While we hope that they get their bag, Plan B is to get a new one.

    They need to get replacement passport/PIO from Indian Embassy, and then contact USCIS for help on how to get the VISA Stamp for their valid stay in this country. Best is to contact an immigration attorney for $100/hour and get this sorted out. Professional help in such cases is more appropriate I would think.

    Check this out.

    Lost and Stolen Passports, Visas, and Arrival-Departure Records (Form I-94)
     
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  4. vidukarth

    vidukarth Platinum IL'ite

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    Bhargavi,

    Thanks for the response. Yeah they have filed a complaint and are trying through all sources. They are currently at a hotel with 2 small kids. They will be moving to an apartment soon to give the address. Hope they get it back.

    Thanks again,
    Vidu
     
  5. vidukarth

    vidukarth Platinum IL'ite

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    Nandhu,

    Thanks for the detailed response. We have the same doubts - if it could be with the cab driver. I came to know that even cabs would have security cameras, so it would be good to check the footage, but again police have to intervene in this, otherwise they may not be ready to reveal their videos.

    But it seems like police is not helping much. They have contacted the consulate and should be applying for a replacement. Also, I guess they can contact USCIS for a duplicate petition. But it would be best to go through the immigration attorney as you have suggested as we may not be aware of the things involved.

    Thanks again.
    Vidu
     

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