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Why Is My Immigration Case Taking So Long?
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The immigration process in the United States is a notoriously long and arduous road. However, although you can expect some wait times during your case, there are instances in which those wait times may be excessively long. The good news is that the long wait times may not necessarily be your fault, nor the fault of your immigration lawyer, who does not have much more control over the speed of your case than you do. Below are some of the reasons your case may be experiencing delays.
The System is Backed Up
Immigration authorities in the United States seemingly always have more applications than they can handle in a reasonable amount of time. This backlog is often the subject of not only news stories, but also congressional inquiries. Other than the employment-related petitioners that have paid additional fees for premium processes, the United States Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS) generally processes applications on a first-come, first-serve basis. In regards to specific family visa cases, the USCIS sometimes takes longer to make a decision on I-130 petitions.
You are Still on a Waiting List
Certain visas and green card applications have waiting times built right into the process. For example, individuals who are placed in the third preference category of family-based visas must wait approximately ten years before their priority date is set, and a green card and visa number is available. Unfortunately, there is little you can do about these wait times.
Your File is Lost
Many people imagine huge government buildings with their small immigration file lost somewhere in it. This may sound like paranoia, but it is not. The truth is that this happens sometimes. It is always recommended that you make a copy of your entire application prior to submitting it, and do not send original documents if the USCIS will accept a copy of the same documentation. You may be able to track your application in the event that it became lost, but this is not possible if you have not yet been assigned a case number.
You Have Not Notified the Government of a Change of Address
It is often not realistic to expect immigrants to remain at the same location while they wait for a decision on their immigration case. If you move and do not inform the USCIS, it could hurt your immigration case. In regards to wait times, if you have moved and not notified the USCIS, important documents may be sent to the wrong address, which could hold up your case indefinitely if the situation is not corrected as soon as possible.
Our Illinois Immigration Lawyers can Prevent Unnecessary Delays
It is true that Chicago immigration lawyers usually have little control over the time your case will take. However, at Kriezelman, Burton & Associates, we have the necessary experience to ensure your case is filed accurately and in a timely manner, and will not make any of the mistakes that can often hold up a case. If you are going through the immigration process, call us or contact us online to schedule a meeting with one of our skilled attorneys.
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My aunt was recently detained by ICE and sent to El Paso, Texas to the East Montana Detention Facility. This place is essentially a prison in the middle of the desert, and the majority of the detainees here get deported. My family and I interviewed a dozen immigration attorneys around the country to help my aunt, and we decided to hire Kevin Raica, an attorney with Kriezelman Burton and Associates.…
Our case was very difficult, and at times it felt like there was no way out. My wife was detained for a long period of time, and it was an extremely challenging experience for our family. Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC truly changed our situation. I would especially like to thank our attorney, Brittni Rivera, as well as Natalia. They were attentive, honest, and always ready to help. It was…
I cannot recommend Kevin Raica highly enough. He helped me successfully obtain my U.S. green card, and the entire process was smooth and stress-free because of his expertise and dedication. From start to finish, Kevin was professional, organized, and extremely knowledgeable about immigration law. He made sure every document was prepared correctly and took the time to explain each step clearly. Anytime I had questions, he responded promptly and made…
Great experience with this attorney office. They helped me with my I-751 waiver after divorce. Kevin was very professional, and supported me through the interview. Everything went smoothly and my case was approved. Highly recommend!
We contacted Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC, based on a recommendation, when my wife was detained by ICE. Attorney Khiabett Osuna handled our case, and it turned out to be the right choice. From the very beginning, she proved herself to be a caring and competent professional, clearly explaining the process. You can tell she's truly invested in each case and achieving results for her clients. We've also heard of…
I would like to express my gratitude to Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC, and especially to attorney Khiabett Osuna, who handled my case. I contacted them based on a recommendation and have never regretted it. From the very beginning, she demonstrated high professionalism. I could tell she was genuinely committed to the outcome and was doing everything possible to protect her client.
Mr. Kriezelman, Mr. Burton and Ms. Erin Cobb, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for handling my case. Your knowledge and dedication to my case is truly appreciated. Thank you.
I highly recommend Brittni Rivera. We are very grateful to her and the entire team at Kriezelman Burton & Associates. Your dedication, responsiveness, and compassion made an enormous difference during an incredibly difficult time. Serving as the liaison between Brittni Rivera and our friend in ICE detention, I saw firsthand how tirelessly she worked guiding us through the process, answering every question, and never losing sight of the humanity at…
Andrea C. Ochoa is truly the best of the best. ❤️ Our family went through one of the most difficult and frightening experiences of our lives when Feruz was detained by ICE. We felt lost, scared, and unsure of what would happen next. From the very beginning, Andrea brought us not only her professionalism and deep legal knowledge, but also something even more important — hope. She guided us through…
Thank you Matthew for all your help with my case. Highly recommend
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