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Business Standard
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
US immigration backlog tops 11 million as Trump slows USCIS processing
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) processed fewer immigration cases and recorded a backlog surge in the second quarter of FY2025 (January–March), according to new data published on the agency's portal. This is the first major dataset released since the Trump administration returned to office. USCIS completed 2.7 million cases during the quarter—down 18 per cent compared to the same period in FY2024, when it had processed 3.3 million cases. From the previous quarter alone, completions dropped by 12 per cent. Meanwhile, pending cases climbed by 1.6 million, pushing the total backlog to a record 11.3 million. The last time pending cases came close to this number was over a decade ago. More than 34,000 cases unopened For the first time in over a year, the agency recorded a non-zero 'frontlog'—cases that are yet to be opened or assigned. As of the end of Q2, over 34,000 such cases were pending at the front of the pipeline. The data showed that this slowdown is already affecting key immigration services. < Form I-129, used for employment-based temporary visas including H-1B and L-1, saw a 25 per cent increase in median processing time quarter-on-quarter, and an 80 per cent rise compared to Q2 FY2024. < Form I-90, used to replace green cards, saw the sharpest jump: from a median wait time of 0.8 months to over 8 months—a 938 per cent increase within just one quarter. < Form I-765, for work permits, had its own crunch. Initial applications pending rose by 87 per cent since Q1. The total number of pending I-765s (including renewals and replacements) crossed 2 million, nearly doubling from under 1.2 million. The net backlog—cases delayed beyond USCIS standards for Form I-765 alone went up by nearly 181 per cent. One category, however, moved faster. The net backlog of I-129s dropped by nearly 75 per cent from the previous quarter, although the number of individuals under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) programme continued to decline, falling by over 8,000. 'We will pine for a functioning system' Charles Kuck, founding partner at immigration law firm Kuck Baxter in Atlanta, said the shift was expected. 'The Trump administration has told USCIS to slow down processing of cases. Predictably, the system has quickly developed massive backlogs. By the end of 2028, we will pine for the days of a functioning legal immigration system because it will effectively not exist by the end of the Trump term,' Kuck told Newsweek. He added that the growth in backlog was '100 per cent predictable' given the new approach. 'Starting with the staff reductions ordered at the USCIS (which is funded by user fees, not tax dollars). Followed by seeking 'volunteers' from USCIS to assist ICE in enforcement efforts. Which then leads to the administration's effort to find fraud in every application, slowing down processing times,' said Kuck.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Worrisome': US visa delays hit all-time high, 11.3 million cases pending
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is struggling to keep up with a piling number of immigration cases, reaching an all-time high of 11.3 million pending applications. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Immigration attorneys said the Trump administration's efforts to find fraudulent cases have set back the pace of the process and resulted in 'massive backlogs' across an immigration system that is already grappling with a growing number of cases, as reported by Newsweek. The data from USCIS from January to March indicates that, with backlogs growing in number every quarter, certain immigration categories are going through worsening delays as processing times are stretched. Applicants have to wait for months or even years in the end. Charles Kuck, the founding partner at Kuck Baxter in Atlanta, told Newsweek, 'The Trump administration has told USCIS to slow down processing of cases. Predictably, the system has quickly developed massive backlogs. By the end of 2028, we will pine for the days of a functioning legal immigration system because it will effectively not exist by the end of the Trump term." USCIS is funded solely by fees from immigrants applying for services like green cards and work permits. For years, reports have pointed to problems with this model, including ongoing staffing shortages that cause long delays. Processing times for Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card) and Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization, with the EAD card issued via Form I-766) have risen compared to the previous quarter. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This increase is partly due to USCIS suspending its Streamlined Case Processing (SCP) program, an automated system that sped up approvals without officer review. The suspension aims to allow for more thorough vetting, though no timeline has been set for reinstating the program. Certain categories, however, have shown signs of improvement with the backlog of Form 1-131 (advance parole application) reduced by almost 60,000 cases this fiscal year, but 260,000 cases are still pending. "It is still early to draw firm conclusions from the data, as processing trends may shift based on staffing, litigation, or new policy guidance. However, outside the boundaries of congressional mandates or statutory requirements, what may appear to be backlogs may be better described as policy choices," Morgan Bailey, a partner at Mayor Brown and former senior official at the Department of Homeland Security, told Newsweek
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Why are US visa and Green Card applications delayed? Immigration system under growing strain
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) stated that only 2.7 million immigration cases have been processed in the second quarter of FY2025, marking an 18% year-on-year drop and a 12% slip from the previous quarter, reported Financial Express. US immigration system under increasing strain with visa, Green Card delays (Unsplash - representational image) From green cards to work permits, applicants across categories are surely in a limbo right now. The sharp slowdown signals not just bureaucratic delays but also rising human stakes in an already shaken immigration landscape. What we know The situation has affected over 34,000 immigration cases, which remain untouched, reported Newsweek. That's not it, as processing times for green card replacements (Form I-90) have ballooned to over eight months, leaving thousands of lawful permanent residents without valid documentation. Meanwhile, delays for work permits (Form I-765) have more than doubled in just one quarter, affecting immigrants' ability to legally earn a living and placing additional strain on employers and families alike, the report added. Even the employment-based visa space is struggling to keep up. Form I-129 delays are slowing down the approval of H-1B and L-1 visas, leading to both skilled workers and companies who are depending on them. To make matters worse, USCIS has paused its Streamlined Case Processing program, halting a key automation effort that once sped up simpler cases. This has led to a ripple effect: slower approvals, fewer decisions and growing uncertainty. Also, to note, the advance parole applications (Form I-131) are a rare exception. Indeed, for immigrants, the consequences aren't just bureaucratic—they're deeply personal, affecting everything from their work and travel to safety and stability. FAQs Why are US immigration delays worsening in 2025? USCIS is facing record backlogs and has paused automation. Which immigration forms are hit hardest by the slowdown? Forms I-90, I-765 and I-129 are seeing the longest processing delays this quarter. immigration category seen improvement this quarter? As per data, advance parole applications (Form I-131) saw a slight reduction in pending cases.
Miami Herald
4 days ago
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Green Card, Visa Delays Worsen as US Backlog Breaks Records
The U.S. immigration system is under growing strain, with the backlog of pending applications reaching an all-time high of 11.3 million, according to data from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The slowdown in processing and rising delays are leaving millions of applicants in a state of legal and personal limbo. What To Know: The USCIS backlog now stands at 11.3 million pending immigration cases. The highest number ever 2.7 million cases completed in Q2 FY2025. A significant drop in throughput compared to previous 34,000 unopened cases remain in the system. Marking the return of a "frontlog" not seen since fiscal year card replacement delays worsen. Form I-90 processing times have increased dramatically, now taking over eight months to permit (Form I-765) delays continue to grow. The number of pending applications has more than doubled since the previous visa processing slows. Form I-129 delays are affecting H-1B and L-1 visa efforts paused. USCIS suspended its Streamlined Case Processing program, which contributed to slower approval parole (Form I-131) backlog shows some improvement. One of the few categories to see a reduction in pending cases. Stay with Newsweek for the latest updates. A Canadian woman was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during what was supposed to be a routine green card interview in California, sparking outrage from her husband-a Trump supporter-who now says he regrets his vote. Cynthia Olivera, 45, was arrested on June 13 at a USCIS office in Chatsworth, California. According to Newsweek, she had been living in the U.S. since childhood and is the mother of three American-born children. Her husband, Francisco Olvera, a U.S. citizen, said the couple supported former President Donald Trump's immigration policies but never expected she would be targeted. Olivera had previously been deported in 1999 and reentered the country illegally, which federal officials say constitutes a felony. She had been granted a work permit in 2024 under the Biden administration and was pursuing legal permanent residency when she was taken into custody. "She was trying to do everything right," Olvera told local media. "We feel blindsided. I want my vote back." Olivera remains in ICE custody in El Paso, Texas, pending removal to Canada. A protester in California appeared to snatch off a federal agent's mask during an altercation last week, according to new footage. The video, released by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), shows a woman confronting federal law enforcement officials behind a police line in San Diego. After an officer holds her by the arms, she can be seen pushing him in the face, removing his face covering. ICE has been pushed into the national spotlight surrounding immigration enforcement in recent months. The agency has received growing criticism for allowing its agents to carry out targeted enforcement operations in plain clothes and face coverings. ICE officials argue that masks are crucial to protect agents and their families from death threats. The agency is facing increased scrutiny as President Donald Trump directs his administration to remove millions of migrants without legal status. California lawmakers and members of Congresshave introduced legislation to prohibit federal agents from donning masks during enforcement operations. Read the full story by Billal Rahman on Newsweek. Related Articles Anti-Donald Trump Protests Planned Nationwide for July 17Is Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Good for America? Newsweek Contributors DebateMask Snatched Off ICE Agent by California ProtesterDozens of Green Card Applicants Sue Trump Admin After Process Derailed 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
4 days ago
- Business
- Newsweek
Green Card, Visa Delays Worsen as US Backlog Breaks Records
The U.S. immigration system is under growing strain, with the backlog of pending applications reaching an all-time high of 11.3 million, according to data from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The slowdown in processing and rising delays are leaving millions of applicants in a state of legal and personal limbo. What To Know: The USCIS backlog now stands at 11.3 million pending immigration cases. The highest number ever recorded. Only 2.7 million cases completed in Q2 FY2025. A significant drop in throughput compared to previous quarters. Over 34,000 unopened cases remain in the system. Marking the return of a "frontlog" not seen since fiscal year 2024. Green card replacement delays worsen. Form I-90 processing times have increased dramatically, now taking over eight months to complete. Work permit (Form I-765) delays continue to grow. The number of pending applications has more than doubled since the previous quarter. Employment-based visa processing slows. Form I-129 delays are affecting H-1B and L-1 visa applicants. Automation efforts paused. USCIS suspended its Streamlined Case Processing program, which contributed to slower approval times. Advance parole (Form I-131) backlog shows some improvement. One of the few categories to see a reduction in pending cases. Stay with Newsweek for the latest updates.
