The US bureaucracy - 见闻

I truly believe anyone who's used to the efficiency of the

Singapore

system would have lots of complain when going to many other countries. Before coming to the states, I have prepared myself for the comparable inefficient bureaucracy of the

system; but still, it really disappointed me about the way how the system functions. After staying here for two months, I couldn’t even apply for a bank account.

Before I came to the States, I have been reminded many times that the first thing I should do after arriving is to apply for my Social Security No, which serves as an ID in the States. Only after I have this no, I would be able to do many other things like applying for a bank account.

The first shock I received was on the second day I arrived. In the local social security office, the official politely told me that they were regretted, but they could not process my case as my name and data were not yet on their system. In another words, I am a non-existing person! I didn’t know if I should laugh or cry when they told me that it would take 30 days for my data to transfer from the airport immigration to the social security department. Then I asked her a question: “if a person only stays here for less than one month, does he/she still need to apply for the social security no?” Answer: “yes, because it guarantees all the benefits one can receive… we will mail the card to him to his foreign address…” fainted! Then does the card serve any of its purpose? What’s the point of having it?

Anyway, I had to accept its rule… I was really glad that after one month, my data was finally on the system. According to the receipt, I would be able to receive it within 10 days. Alright, I have waited for one month; there is no difference for another 10 days. However, on the other hand, it had caused much inconvenience to my life.

However, the actual day I received my card was after 16 days. On the 14^th day, I really couldn’t wait to check with the officer, the answer I got was an interesting one, “Your no has been issued on the day of application. 10 days we mean 10 working days and tomorrow is the 10^th day. If you don’t get your card by tomorrow, you can call again and I can tell you your no on the phone. So just wait for the card…” So I asked if I could know my no since it has been issued so that I can apply for a bank account, “no. tomorrow is the 10^th day. I can only tell you by tomorrow…” once again, the interesting logic behind really amused me.

You must be wondering why I still don’t get my bank account by now. I was really fed up in the bank today when the teller told me that my social security was an invalid one. And it was the same case when they processed my friend’s. This was not the answer I expected after two months waiting. It angered me most when they told me that it is common in the states, and there is nothing they can do for me, and the only solution is to wait for another 10 working days for my No to transfer to the bank side, and by then if I successfully open an account they will mail me my ATM card and everything in another 10 working days… By the time, I have left the States.

I really couldn’t understand what the purpose is of holding an ID that shows invalid in the computer system. I requested an explanation from the social security officer. This time again, they had a beautiful answer, “Oh Mdm, this is for your privacy purpose. So we don’t share information with the bank. Your data shows correct on our system…” There is nothing they can do for me since that’s the problem of the bank side. Both sides have a common solution, “Just wait for another 10 days. It probably works.” Probably works? What the hell!!! That really challenges my patience.

By now I really appreciate the kind of efficiency I have been enjoying in

Singapore

. Sign, this is probably my only thought about the US bureaucracy...

回复：The US bureaucracy
thanks v much t! guess what? i went to another bank, they said invalid also, but after a while they said they can proceed it anyway, and then i asked them to check with social security officer with my presence. then they told me the system is wrong... tat's how i got my bank account opened... ridiculous! the system can be wrong, what's the point of having that no? i wanna laugh.

By:

竹攸 @ 6/26/2004 11:29:45 AM

回复：The US bureaucracy
can understand. you have to re-apply for ssn. but you really don't need this shit thing to be in US. forget that fantasy that ssn is really so important. Try commerce bank, you only need your passport and I-20

By:

t @ 6/26/2004 11:05:01 AM

回复：The US bureaucracy
You don't need SSN to apply for bank account.

By:

t @ 6/26/2004 11:02:14 AM

回复：The US bureaucracy
其实……在这样的场合，贪污受贿啥的东西……便很有意义了……

By:

Wuvist @ 6/23/2004 6:50:15 PM