Waiting on a citizenship application to move forward can be extremely frustrating. The process is inherently long, but delays can make it much, much longer. While every citizenship journey feels like it is taking too long, sometimes it really is.
Determining whether a decision is taking too long depends on several factors, including the current backlog in the system. By looking at the processing time published by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for similar applications, a lawyer can help you determine whether a delay is unusual or within the normal range. For typical delays, there is nothing to do but wait. However, an immigration delay attorney may be able to help when there is an unreasonable delay for citizenship in Jersey City.
Before trying to resolve an issue with delays, it is essential to look at whether the delay is reasonable. Determining that depends on several factors, including the expected wait times for applications. Since the government reviews applications in the order in which they are received, looking at the processing time of other applications can help.
Some red flags can indicate that the delay is unreasonable, such as:
Sometimes delays have reasonable explanations, even if they are longer than expected. An increased volume of applications, a government backlog, and other factors can lead to longer wait times. Understanding whether your delay is unusual requires a careful review of your case and the current processing standards.
Delays in the citizenship process in Jersey City can occur for various reasons, including the following:
Citizenship applications require thorough background checks. If there is any issue or discrepancy in an applicant’s background check, it can lead to delays. One way to avoid this issue is for an applicant to run their background check before they apply for citizenship. That should flag any potential errors, giving the applicant time to correct them before filing their formal application.
Administrative backlogs are generally outside of an applicant’s control. They happen because of high application volumes or understaffed USCIS offices. Generally, these delays impact applicants in similar ways, so even if there are backlogs, an even longer delay can indicate an issue.
Mistakes or incomplete information in the application can increase the processing time. They usually lead to requests for clarification or additional information, and every request adds time to the process. However, once an applicant supplies the additional information, the USCIS should take some action.
Another problem that is outside the applicant’s control is when they have the same name—or a similar name—to someone who is on a watchlist. If the application raises any type of security concerns, then it is going to take additional time to review. The USCIS may even contact the applicant to provide additional information to prove that they are not the person on the watchlist.
One of the most frustrating reasons for a delay is when the application is misplaced. USCIS workers are human beings, and they make mistakes. Administrative errors can lead to mistakes, but an applicant does not want to accuse someone of an administrative error, which can lead to hard feelings. An attorney can help untangle that mess.
The final common reason for unreasonable delays in the application process is when an applicant has a pending immigration court case. Generally, USCIS delays decisions about citizenship until a person’s immigration court case is resolved.
Almost every applicant for citizenship feels like the process is taking too long. It is a time-consuming process, and waiting can be frustrating. However, being patient and waiting things out is not always the right approach—sometimes, you need an attorney’s help to address unreasonable delays for citizenship in Jersey City.
To find out if a lawyer can help, the first step is scheduling a consultation with a lawyer from The Law Office of Eric M. Mark today.
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