Immigration into the United States is something that is a dream of many people, but it has recently become much more complex for some people. Recently, the U.S. decided to pause immigration applications from certain countries, including Cuba, Venezuela, Haiti, Iran and Afghanistan, which could have a significant effect on the ability for people to come here to start a new life.
There isn’t any indication of how long the pause will last, but it includes 19 countries with either full or partial pauses. During the pause, people who already have pending cases may experience delays in receiving a decision.
Why is the pause occurring?
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services have the authority to adjust application processing in order to meet current administrative priorities. Those departments are reviewing policies and case backlogs during the pause.
For applicants who had cases pending prior to the pause, the effect is immediate. Processing timelines that already spanned months to years may become even longer, which can devastate those who are waiting on the ability to work in the U.S., travel or have their status adjusted.
While there’s no way to speed up the immigration process, it’s best to ensure that applicants closely monitor their case. Producing requested documents for cases already filed and ensuring newly filed cases are completed properly may help to reduce unnecessary delays.
Because of the constantly changing rules and regulations related to immigration, it’s best to work with someone who stays abreast of the latest developments. This may help to reduce the stress associated with the process.