USCIS Reports Record Backlog in Immigration Applications

The Trump administration is experiencing a significant backlog of legal immigration applications, with approximately 7.5 million individuals awaiting approval for U.S. citizenship, green cards, or work permits, according to data from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Additionally, 4.4 million people have applied for asylum, work visas, and other forms of protection to remain in the country. Compared to two years ago, there are roughly 2 million more applicants waiting for decisions as of June this year. Of the total 12.1 million pending applications, 7 million have been flagged by USCIS as taking longer than usual to process. The delays are attributed to mass retirements at USCIS and directives for more thorough vetting of applicants. As a result, some applicants may face expiration of their current permissions, potentially leading to increased deportation risks for those who become undocumented. Recent reports indicate a rise in ICE arrests, particularly targeting individuals who have overstayed their visas.