I was applying for US Permanent Residency (Green Card) for which I needed recommendation letters from my previous employers. One of my ex-managers (with whom I left on excellent terms and did great work with) expressed interest in writing me a recommendation letter and wrote a really good one. However, as required by the USCIS, when I requested that it be printed on an official letterhead, my manager delivered some bad news: She said that the HR has a new policy that no past-employees can be given recommendation letters. If necessary, they can corroborate employment history (limited to roles and duration) but nothing else. No exceptions.
This seems a bit absurd but the HR did seriously state this as their policy. My manager, obviously, didn't want to do anything without the HR's permission. Thus, I am left without a crucial recommendation letter.
Is there something I can do?