H1B Visa Lawyer Blog
Ask Ellis Video – 7/19/20 – USICS Update: Green Card Production Backlog, EAD Card Delays
Ombudsman’s Office is warning that delays continue and could get worst for some secure documents issued by the USCIS. The delays are being caused by the USCIS’s reduction of its capacity to print secure documents, such as Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) Cards and Employment Authorization Documents (EAD). Many foreign nationals are facing delays of more than a month in receiving their approved LPR (often called a green card), and EADs that are normally issued and mailed within days of approval. Applicants are also experiencing extended delays in the time it takes USCIS to adjudicate these types of applications. These delays are impacting both foreign nationals and their US employers.
CIS Ombudsman’s Alert Statement reason for delays:
In June 2020, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reduced its capacity to print secure documents, such as Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) Cards and Employment Authorization Documents, after it ended a contract with an outside company responsible for printing these cards. According to USCIS, it intended to hire federal employees to replace the contractors; however, its financial situation resulted in a hiring freeze that has impacted the printing of these secure cards.
Please visit this page for more detailed information: Ombudsman’s Alert: Card Production Delays at USCIS
Background:
The Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman (Ombudsman), established by the Homeland Security Act of 2002, assists individuals and employers in resolving case problems with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Source of Information:
Office of Homeland Security, 7/22/20, Email Bulletin
Ombudsman’s Alert: Card Production Delays at USCIS
The National Law Review, 7/22/20, Article:
USCIS Document Production Delays Cause Major Inconvenience to Foreign Nationals and Their Employers