Immigration and the US – Polarizing Debates

Immigration has always been an area of fierce debate and arguments in the US. Moreover, the routine visa services are severely impacted by the Covid-19 Pandemic. It has put some firm barriers in front of applicants applying for immigrating to the United States.

Current Status – US Immigration System

But in recent years, the US Immigration System has been less efficient due to the pandemic and many other reasons. The biggest problem of the US Immigration system right now is the tremendous delays and backlogs with the processing of Family Unification visas, also called Immigrant Visas. Such visa applications are filed by US citizens or Green Card holders for close family members living abroad to bring them to the US. Many of them have all the documents submitted and processed and just need to give an interview to knock on the doors of the United States with a Green Card.

The solution to Immigrant Visa Backlogs Crisis

Bringing the US Immigration System back on track requires plenty of concentrated efforts. After investing a lot of hours in discussing and defining a way to end the Immigrant Backlogs Crisis, the AILA (American Immigration Lawyer Association) has suggested the following things to be done by USCIS and the Department of State –

Increasing the fees

A reasonable and affordable increase of fees for Immigrant visa processing with waiver options for those in need. No increase in the fee for Special immigrants and those who ask for humanitarian parole.

Simplifying the Vaccine Guidelines

Simplify vaccine requirements for those who have a hard time getting one by giving options and allowance for non-WHO-approved vaccines—asking to provide a negative Covid test before travel and upon arrival.

Appointing More Counsellors

A significant increase in the number of consular officers directly relates to reducing the Immigration Backlogs Crisis. Create at least 500 new consular officer positions.

Educating the Local Staff Employees

Promote local staff employees to handle some visa types and specific cases, thereby reducing a percentage of the workload involved in the process.

Asking Assistance from Retired Foreign Service Officers

It might be surprising to read, but calling back retired Foreign Service Officers for assistance can speed up the processing of immigration files.

Remote Adjudicating

Remotely allowing adjudication of cases can be of great help to reduce the Immigration Backlogs Crisis.

Exploring New Options

More options for interview waivers, virtual interviews, and remote processing for non-immigrant visas, so they can have more time for immigrant visa cases.

Virtual Visa Interviews

Secure virtual visa interviews for both IV and NIV eligible applicants. They are already piloting such visa interviews for kids under two in the US Embassy in Jerusalem.

Teleconference

Allowing an immigration attorney to attend their clients IV and NIV interviews in person or by teleconference.

Applying for Immigrant Visa in Other Countries

Allow applying for an immigrant visa in other countries where applicants are physically present or can travel regardless of their citizenship or permanent residency.

Recapture unused Immigrant Visas

Recapture unused Immigrant Visas (quotas that were never satisfied but allocated by US Immigration) in 2020 and 2021. Avoid the loss of unallocated visas in the future.

The best Immigration Attorneys in the US

Knocking down all the blocks on the way to get your immigration application approved, the law office of Marina Shepelsky is a team of the best immigration attorneys that assists in driving through the complex process of immigration. Our experienced and professional immigration lawyers work effortlessly to get your application the green stamp so you can live the American dream.

Contact the best Immigration Attorneys from the Law Offices of Marina Shepelsky while filing the Immigration Application.