Why is USCIS taking so long? If you’re wondering why U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is taking so long to process your citizenship application, there are several factors that can come into play, including the type of citizenship application, backlogs, and the need for the applicant to meet various requirements.
With the help of an experienced immigration attorney, you may be able to avoid USCIS citizenship delays and accelerate the citizenship application processing time. For help from a reliable Chicago immigration attorney, call Khalaf & Abuzir, LLC, at 708-694-3859.
Understanding the Causes Behind Long USCIS Citizenship Processing Times
In the last decade, the U.S. has brought in more than 7.9 billion naturalized citizens, and that number continues to grow. However, many applying immigrants experience delays in the citizenship process, which can be frustrating.
There are many reasons USCIS can take a long time to complete application processing for aspiring citizens. The following are factors that lead to delays:
Delayed Access to Immigration A-Files
One of the main reasons USCIS has experienced delays is the inaccessibility of immigrants’ A-files during the COVID-19 pandemic. Over time, these physical records began to build up in the Federal Records Centers (FRCs), located in an expansive underground facility in Kansas City, Missouri. While the FRCs have since reopened, giving USCIS access to these files once again, many cases remain pending today as the agency attempts to sort through all immigrant A-files.
The Long Processing Time for Citizenship Forms
When immigrants apply for citizenship, they must submit Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. While some forms can take as little as a few months to process, N-400 typically takes about 14 and a half months. While waiting for this form to go through, immigrants typically submit their biometric data.
Citizenship Interviews
Including the exam that immigrants need to pass, the entire citizenship interview process takes another four months to complete in most cases.
The Oath of Allegiance and Certificate of Naturalization
Following the interview process, applicants will need to wait anywhere from weeks to 1.5 months to complete the Oath of Allegiance and receive their certificates of naturalization.
Other Factors
Of course, various other factors could lead to delays in citizenship processing, such as:
- Incomplete or incorrect information on application forms
- Required security clearances and background checks
- Unlawful actions on the part of USCIS to intentionally delay the process
- Government shutdowns
- Policy changes
- Misplacement or loss of naturalization forms and other paperwork
How USCIS Delays Can Impact Your Citizenship Application Status
If USCIS is experiencing any delays, you could experience considerably longer processes.
First, delays can lead to issues with travel, such as a limited ability to travel internationally, which could further complicate the citizenship process, particularly if you must apply for a travel document along with naturalization. If you have a current adjustment of status application pending, USCIS could experience delays in processing advance parole applications that might further restrict travel.
You must be able to prove that you meet all eligibility requirements as an immigrant applying for citizenship. This can be more challenging if you must wait for a long time for processing, to the point where your eligibility changes as you fail to meet one or more requirements.
On the other hand, USCIS can extend the validity of green cards for as long as 24 months while applicants await processing. As such, they can avoid the need to apply for a green card while waiting for USCIS to complete the naturalization process.
What Happens if You Are Unable to Apply for Citizenship?
If you cannot complete the naturalization process and obtain citizenship, you still have options available to you. One step to take is to understand why you’re ineligible if you fail to meet one or more of the requirements. You may be able to meet these and successfully reapply for citizenship.
Alternatively, you may need to address underlying issues that keep your application from going through. For example, you may seek expungement or post-conviction relief if you have a criminal record. You may also prove that USCIS denied your application in error with sufficient documented evidence.
If you are unable entirely to apply for citizenship, you may be able to take other paths to legal status if you wish to live and work in the U.S. lawfully. Examples of alternate paths include family-based immigration if you have family members who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, an employment-based visa from an employer in the U.S., a U visa if you are a victim of specific types of crimes, or temporary protected status (TPS) if your country of origin qualifies.
Ultimately, it’s ideal to reach out to an attorney if you aren’t sure how to proceed with a case and get through the naturalization process. Qualified attorneys will have the resources and knowledge to guide you with in-depth, personalized advice based on your unique immigration requirements.
When to Consult an Immigration Lawyer
If you’re not sure how long you can expect to undergo naturalization in the U.S., you may benefit from working with Chicago naturalization and citizenship lawyers to expedite the process when possible.
Generally, you may benefit from speaking with an attorney if you face any of the following issues:
You’re Uncertain About Eligibility
If you’re not sure whether you meet all eligibility requirements for citizenship, an attorney could sit with you to discuss the options available to you. For instance, you may be able to get a better idea of whether you meet requirements for physical presence, continuous residence, English proficiency, and good moral character.
You Have a Complicated Immigration History
You may also have a history of complexities that could make the citizenship process more difficult to navigate. An attorney may be able to help you manage the process if you have a history of overstays, encounters with immigration authorities, visa issues, or other complications.
You Need Help Filing
You must complete Form N-400 and submit all relevant supporting documentation to successfully apply for citizenship. However, the process can be complex, and you might be unclear regarding what information to provide.
Attorneys with experience in these matters could help you properly prepare your naturalization application at every stage.
You Must Respond to a Request for Evidence (RFE)
In some cases, USCIS might submit an RFE requesting certain evidence to support your application, which could delay the process even more. In these cases, an attorney may be able to help ensure you provide the required evidence to keep the process moving.
You Need to Prepare for Your Interview
Attorneys could also provide guidance on how to get through the interview process the right way. For example, a lawyer could advise you on how to answer questions from an immigration official and practice English and civics topics that your exam will cover.
You’re Experiencing Significant Delays
If you’re frustrated with a long process and don’t know why it’s taking so long, you could get an answer with the help of an attorney. A lawyer may determine the root cause of the delay and, if possible, take action to accelerate processing times.
You Want to Appeal a Denial
If USCIS denies your application for naturalization, you may have grounds to appeal the decision. Your lawyer could review the reasons given for the denial and potentially reverse the decision through the appeals process.
You Face Removal and Deportation
It’s best to hire an attorney if you risk removal and deportation. It’s crucial to have an attorney by your side during removal proceedings to increase the chances of avoiding deportation. Your attorney may be able to build a strong defense in your favor.
Questions to Ask When Looking for an Immigration Attorney
If you decide to consult an immigration lawyer regarding citizenship and naturalization, there are questions you can ask in your research to gauge whether the attorney is a good fit and get guidance on the immigration process.
A few key questions include:
- How much do immigration lawyers charge?
- What types of immigration cases do lawyers typically handle?
- What is the difference between immigrant visas and non-immigrant visas?
You can also ask an immigration lawyer these and other questions in a consultation to further determine whether the attorney is right for you.
Reach Out to an Attorney Today
If you are dealing with the naturalization process or another aspect of immigration, it’s often the right step to connect with an attorney.
The legal team at Khalaf & Abuzir, LLC, may be able to handle your case. Our Chicago immigration attorneys have plenty of experience handling all types of immigration cases, including those involving naturalization and citizenship. Contact us today to learn more about what our attorneys may be able to do for you.
