I remember on my trip to the USSR how things like this never happened without a bribe. I am not suggesting anyone do that, but I am very happy that I live in the US and we do not have that culture of oppression.

I wish that everyone who needs a bureaucrat get what they need very quickly. To those without funding I hope you can find some pro bono legal help. Sometimes you can get this at a Law School. The University newspaper will often have a classified ad for this.