New York is always on the ball. I have never waited long. During Covid I received my visa in 72 hours. I also received my last TR visa on a Sunday! Go figure.
What was he going to do? Put his real name up on a potentially jailable offense? Just takes one bar camping asshole in here to drop a dime on him to change his life. He might be stupid to overstay but not stupid how he asks the questions. SMH.
New computer system allows them to track you better.
That card was just a PITA if you didn't have it when it was time to leave. I always taped mine inside my passport as soon as I got my Sim card at the phone counter.