I had a trip to China scheduled and almost missed it as my renewal passport was held up by US Immigration. I contacted my US senator's office, and they got on Immigration to expedite my passport. Senator Brownback's office will always be on my grateful list as a consequence.
I appied for my Thai fiancee from America on line. It was a frustrating experience and rather expensive, but she got a visa good for 10 years and had already visited USA once for 60 days, and plan a 2nd USA trip next year 2025.