Breaking Down USCIS’s Record-Breaking Year: A Customer-Centric Approach to Immigration
Breaking Down USCIS’s Record-Breaking Year: A Customer-Centric Approach to Immigration
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In a monumental achievement, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has not only completed an unprecedented 10 million immigration cases in Fiscal Year 2023 but has also made significant strides in reducing its backlog for the first time in over a decade. Let’s delve into the key highlights of USCIS’s remarkable accomplishments and how they impact customers, employment-based immigration, naturalization, and humanitarian efforts.
Reducing Backlogs: A Herculean Feat
In FY 2023, USCIS received a staggering 10.9 million filings and successfully closed over 10 million pending cases, marking a historic milestone. This resulted in an impressive 15% reduction in overall backlogs. One notable achievement was administering the Oath of Allegiance to more than 878,500 new US citizens, effectively eliminating the naturalization application backlog. The median processing time for naturalization applicants also saw a significant drop from 10.5 to 6.1 months, fulfilling a longstanding goal and substantially reducing waiting times.
Improving Customer Experience: Embracing Innovation
USCIS rolled out several cutting-edge technology solutions aimed at enhancing the customer experience. A self-service tool for online rescheduling of biometrics appointments facilitated over 33,000 reschedules in FY 2023. The introduction of enterprise change of address capabilities allowed over 430,000 address changes online, reducing USCIS Contact Center phone inquiries by up to 31%. From August to September 2023, over 16,000 field office appointment requests were processed through an online form, while a new text-ahead feature for the 1-800 number provided callers with a more predictable call-back window, minimizing missed calls.
Strengthening Immigration for Workers and Employers: A Collaborative Approach
USCIS and the Department of State issued a commendable 192,000 employment-based immigrant visas in FY 2023, surpassing pre-pandemic numbers and ensuring no unused visas. USCIS supported US employers and noncitizen workers by extending the maximum validity period of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) to five years for adjustment of status applicants. Clarity on immigration services, such as the International Entrepreneur Rule and eligibility criteria for various visas, was provided. A proposed rule aims to enhance worker protections and the integrity of the H-2 temporary worker program.
Fulfilling Their Humanitarian Mission: A Global Endeavor
USCIS addressed growing humanitarian needs by interviewing over 100,000 refugee applicants, resulting in the admission and resettlement of over 60,000 refugees. Over 52,000 asylum cases were completed, focusing on prioritizing Afghan alliance cases. A record-breaking 146,000 credible fear and reasonable fear screenings were conducted for individuals expressing fear of return at the border. USCIS supported various Administration efforts, including processes for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, Venezuelans (CHNV), family reunification, and the Uniting for Ukraine (U4U) process. Establishing the Humanitarian, Adjustment, Removing Conditions, and Travel Documents (HART) Service Center showcased a significant commitment to adjudicating benefits for vulnerable populations.
Looking Ahead: Commitment to Progress
In FY 2024, USCIS plans to build on this progress, addressing remaining processing delays and maintaining median processing times for specific applications. New rules aim to modernize the H-1B program, and USCIS will focus on preserving naturalization processing times and utilizing all available employment-based visas. A new fee schedule aims to recover operating costs and prevent future backlogs.
USCIS’s dedication to enhancing accessibility, expanding its international footprint, and investing in online filing tools demonstrates a commitment to a customer-centric approach. As the agency continues to evolve, it remains steadfast in its mission to navigate the complexities of immigration law with fairness, integrity, and respect for all it serves.
If you need help with your immigration case in the US, contact Kannan Law today!