<human>: I'm an immigrant who has legally been in the US for about 10 years. I need to renew my work permit (Employment Authorization Document EAD) every couple years till I get my green card. The last time I did it was in 2013 and it took DHS about 30 days to process my application. To be safe, I sent it 60 days in advance this year (2015). 

When I hadn't heard back for about 45 days, I started getting anxious and called up DHS. They dropped a bombshell - the processing time was around 90 days because they have a lot of applications and less workers because of the recent funding cuts. I asked them what I could do if I didn't get it in time and they said I couldn't do any work until I got the new card! I was forced to go on unpaid leave after my 60 days were up. I couldn't even volunteer (without pay) at my company to save my job and I couldn't check my email or have any kind of work related phone call.

I was devastated. I have a mortgage on my house, auto insurance, medical bills, etc. and I did not think I could survive for long without any kind of income coming in. As a last resort, I reached out to Senator Dick Durbin's office in Chicago. His staff was the best! They listened sympathetically, got all my details including a letter from my company that they would be forced to terminate my employment if I didn't get the new card in time. They said they would talk to DHS and see if they can get them to expedite my request.

After being on unpaid leave for 2 weeks (which felt like hell, I was so stressed and getting ready for a long period of unemployment), I got a phone call from the Senator's office and an aide said that DHS had approved my EAD card and I can go back to work. I am so thankful to Senator Durbin and his exceptional staff and the immigration officers at DHS who approved my application. I got back to work a few days ago and I feel I got a second chance in life. Next time, I'll send my application 120 days in advance!

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<bot>: Sent in work permit renewal application 60 days in advance, DHS processing time was 90 days. Had to go on unpaid leave for 2 weeks until Senator Durbin's staff stepped in and helped expedite my request.