New Rules to Reduce Wait Times and the Immigration Backlog
The Biden administration announced three measures on March 29 to reduce wait times and the growing multimillion-case backlog of immigration applications caused by the global pandemic and closed immigration offices, embassies and consulates. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is primarily funded by user fees, which were greatly reduced during the pandemic due to reduced travel and few immigration applications. USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou said,
“USCIS remains committed to delivering timely and fair decisions to all we serve. Every application we adjudicate represents the hopes and dreams of immigrants and their families, as well as their critical immediate needs such as financial stability and humanitarian protection.”
3 New Rules To Improve Wait Times and Reduce Backlog
• Expand Premium Process
Expand the number of applicants who can pay extra fees to have their immigration petitions reviewed more quickly
• Provide Relief to Immigrants Waiting for Work Permit Renewals
Extend the grace period of automatic work permit extensions for those who apply for a renewal beyond the current 180 days. Work permits are generally valid for 2 years.
• Set Processing Time Goals
Hire more caseworkers and improve processing technology to meet new timelines for reviewing applications by September 2023
• 2 months: decide requests for temporary work programs including H-1B and H-2A visas for agricultural workers
• 3 months: review requests for work permits, travel documents and temporary status extensions or changes
• 6 months: USCIS officers should adjudicate applications for U.S. citizenship, DACA renewals and green card requests for immigrants sponsored by U.S. family members or employers
As of February, USCIS was reviewing more than 9.5 million pending applications, a 66% increase from the 5.7 million pending end of fiscal year 2019, according to USCIS Progress on Executive Orders released on February 22.
USCIS received more than $400 million from Congress in March to address processing delays and application backlogs.
Contact A DuPage and Cook County Immigration Lawyer
The attorneys at Godoy Law Office work with you to evaluate your immigration status and guide you in your journey to achieving the American Dream. If you need help with an immigration issue, please contact our office at 630-912-0322.
AREAS WE SERVE: Godoy Law Office serves the entire Chicago, Illinois area including DuPage, Cook, Kane, Will and Lake Counties