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USCIS backlog of citizenship applications reportedly grows

  1. Original Date Announced

    July 30, 2018

    Dozens of U.S. mayors urge USCIS to reduce citizenship processing times, noting that USCIS backlog of naturalization cases has increased by 87% over the last two years. (There is a 729,400+ backlog as of July 30, 2018). The mayors state that USCIS lacks an adequate policy response to the backlog and is committing its resources to stripping citizenship of naturalized citizens. [ID #628]

    Letter from U.S. mayors to USCIS Director
  2. Effective Date

    July 30, 2018
  3.  
  4. Biden Administration Action: Modified

    March 29, 2022

    2022.03.29 USCIS Announces New Actions to Reduce Backlogs, Expand Premium Processing, and Provide Relief to Work Permit Holders

    This Biden administration action attempts to address the Trump-era phenomenon identified in this entry.

    On March 29, 2022, USCIS announced new actions to reduce backlogs, expand premium processing, and provide relief to work permit holders.

    View Document
  5. Biden Administration Action: Revoked/Replaced

    December 7, 2022

    USCIS Fiscal Year 2022 Progress Report

    On December 7, 2022, USCIS released its Fiscal Year 2022 Report, which indicated that the backlog of citizenship applications has been greatly reduced, with a 62% reduction in the backlog from FY 2021 to FY 2022. The more than 1 million naturalized U.S. citizens in FY 2022 represented the highest number of naturalized citizens in almost 15 years.

    View Document
  6. Biden Administration Action: Modified

    December 9, 2022

    Extension of Permanent Resident Card for Naturalization Applicants

    On December 9, 2022, USCIS issued a Policy Alert and made corresponding changes to the USCIS Policy Manual, effective December 12, 2022, to automatically extend for 24 months from the "Card Expires" date the validity of Permanent Resident Cards upon receipt of a properly filed Form N-400 Application for Naturalization.

    View Document

Current Status

Not in effect

Most Recent Action

December 9, 2022 Action: Modified Extension of Permanent Resident Card for Naturalization Applicants
March 29, 2022
Acted on by Biden Administration
December 7, 2022
Acted on by Biden Administration
December 9, 2022
Acted on by Biden Administration

Original Trump Policy Status

Status: Final/Actual
Trump Administration Action: Agency Directive
Subject Matter: Citizenship
Agencies Affected: USCIS

Commentary

  • AILA Policy Brief: USCIS Processing Delays Have Reached Crisis Levels Under the Trump Administration

    Go to article
  • The State of New American Citizenship

    Go to article

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