Category Archives: COVID-19 vaccines

IMMIGRATION COURTS AND USCIS CASES BACKLOG

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The backlog in the Immigration Courts and in the United States Citizenship Services (USCIS) is a growing concern for many immigrants and their families. The backlog has created long wait times for individuals seeking resolution to their immigration cases, leading to uncertainty and anxiety about their status in the United States.

The Immigration Courts, which fall under the jurisdiction of the Department of Justice, are responsible for adjudicating immigration cases, including removal proceedings (deportation), and asylum claims. In recent years, the backlog of cases in these courts has reached unprecedented levels, with over 1.3 million cases pending as of 2021. This backlog means that individuals may have to wait years for their cases to be heard, leaving them in limbo and ensure of their future in the United States.

The USCIS, the agency responsible for processing immigration applications and petitions, has also been plagued by a significant backlog. As of 2021, the agency has over 6.3 million applications pending, including naturalization, green card applications, visa applications, and employment authorizations. This backlog has resulted in lengthy processing times, with some individuals waiting years for their applications to be adjudicated.

The backlog in both the Immigration Courts and the USCIS has far-reaching consequences for immigrants and their families. It can result in prolonged separation from loved ones, uncertainty about employment and housing, and a constant state of limbo and anxiety. Additionally, the backlog hinders the efficient and fair administration of the immigration system, leading to delays in resolution of cases and preventing individuals from moving forward with their lives in the United States.

There are various factors that have contributed to the backlog in the Immigration Courts and USCIS. The complexity of immigration laws and regulations, increased enforcement actions, and lack of resources and staffing have all played a role in creating this backlog. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the situation, leading to court closures and processing delays.

Efforts are being made to address the backlog in both Immigration Courts and USCIS. The Biden administration has proposed more judges and staff, improved technology and infrastructure, and streamline processes. Additionally, there have been calls for legislative reforms to the immigration system to address the root causes for the backlog and ensure a more efficient and fain adjudication of cases.

In conclusion, the backlog in the Immigration Courts and USCIS is a pressing issue that has significant implications for immigrants and their families. It is essential for efforts to be made to address this backlog, to ensure timely and fair resolution for immigration cases, and to provide individuals with the certainty and stability the need to build their lives in the United States.

Biden Administration and Immigration in 2022

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CNN — How many times has the Biden White House had an unresolved conflict between idealism and pragmatism on the issue of immigration? How many times has it hesitated to take action, opting instead for political messaging? The sad answer to both questions is: every time.

Most of the officials appointed by President Joe Biden to work on immigration have resigned in frustration, according to a bombshell report from The New York Times in April. “The White House has been divided by furious debates over how – and whether – to proceed in the face of a surge of migrants crossing the southwest border,” the report said.

Some wanted more openness to immigrants of all kinds. Others wanted a coherent set of rules to be applied to the millions of people at the border. And some others wanted a compromise with Republicans to create a new merit-based, green-card system. They all got nothing.

A new report from the Department of Homeland Security for August confirmed over 2 million border apprehensions and expulsions this year so far. Previously, the United States only experienced more than 1 1/2 million apprehensions a few times in its history: during the late 1990s and then in 2021. At the current pace, that record could be doubled by the end of this year. And next year, if no policies change, it could double again…

Open border chaos increases human trafficking and drug trafficking. It turns what should be a foreign policy strength into a national security weakness.

When we ponder what Biden should do to address the immigration mess at the border, the honest answer is: something, anything. Because the status quo of playing politics while seemingly ignoring policy is not only politically divisive, but it’s also missing a golden opportunity.

Biden should take advantage of his moment in history to boldly reform American refugee policy. He could, at the stroke of a pen, redefine how many refugees are allowed into the United States by taking advantage of the distinction our laws make between those granted temporary protection and those awarded permanent residency.

Editor’s Note: Tim Kane is the president of the American Lyceum and a visiting fellow at the Hoover Institution. His most recent book is “The Immigrant Superpower.” The views expressed in this commentary are his own. View more opinion on CNN.https://www.cnn.com/2022/10/05/opinions/immigration-policy-biden-administration-kane/index.html

DHS, VA Launch New Online Services for Noncitizen Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families

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Release Date: February 7, 2022

WASHINGTON – On February 7, 2022, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in partnership with the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense, launched two new resources to support our nation’s noncitizen service members, veterans, and their families. Through its Immigrant Military Members and Veterans Initiative (IMMVI), DHS will host a one-stop online center to consolidate relevant federal resources. As part of the resource center, DHS has also created a portal for veterans who need assistance in applying to return to the United States or accessing VA benefits to which they may be entitled.

“These new resources are just the first step to help support noncitizen service members and their families who have made tremendous sacrifices for our country,” said Secretary Mayorkas. “We are committed to identifying previously removed veterans to ensure they are able to obtain VA benefits, access COVID-19 vaccines, and return to the United States as appropriate.”

“Veterans qualify for VA benefits based on their service to our country and never on their immigration status,” said Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough. “We are proud to work with our partners at DHS and DoD to honor the service of immigrant and noncitizen Veterans by ensuring that they have access to information about the care and services available to them.”

The new one-stop resource center will consolidate resources and forms from DHS, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Department of Defense (DoD), and other agencies so noncitizen service members, veterans, and their families are able to easily find any needed forms and resources.

The new portal on the DHS website will provide previously removed veterans a simple and fast way to get in touch with the Department for assistance with any questions or issues they may have as they seek assistance in returning to the United States or accessing their VA benefits.

To date, the initiative has helped dozens of veterans access the U.S. immigration system and their VA benefits, and several individuals have been able to return to the U.S. DHS offices and agencies continue to actively review policies for individuals with military association to determine how to best meet the commitments made in this initiative.