Upvote:1
You can can make an appointment and physically go to the embassy to retrieve your I20. You should not have a problem if you're standing in front of someone and explaining because this is a trivial issue. You're probably getting email responses from some novice at the embassy. If you're unable to receive the I-20 back because it was either lost or something else, so far as your visa is valid you can go the alternative route.
Your school's International Student Services can issue a replacement I-20 or DS-2019 if yours is lost, damaged, or stolen. Reprinted I-20s and DS-2019s are tracked in SEVIS by the Department of Homeland Security, so you should request a replacement only if your I-20 or DS-2019 has been lost, stolen, or damaged.
It takes 7-10 days however you can expedite it if it's very urgent by explaining to your international student services counselor.