Originally Posted by mows

Good news everyone - I was approved yesterday but I only got the text message "update" at 6:30 am today. I waited nearly 8 months... I thought I was going to get an RFE or wait 11 months like some applicants on this forum.

I contacted my congresswoman on July 1st and was approved less than one month later. I do think congressional inquiries help speed up the process.

I live in southeastern FL
I had prior USCIS history (removal proceedings case)
I came here legally with parents 19 years ago
My last name is very rare