There is no doubt that immigrating to the United States takes time. Even if you complete all your paperwork correctly, there is a chance that it could take months or years before you get a response. Unfortunately, some people are left waiting without hearing anything from the government for many years.
Waiting is a part of the immigration system, but there is a point when things can slow down to an unreasonable pace. A Newark immigration delay lawyer may be able to help get things moving. Let a skilled immigration attorney like Eric M. Mark help you resolve these issues and get an answer on your application.
Numerous factors can result in the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) delaying a decision to award a green card or citizenship. The federal agency is tasked with handling this process from start to finish, but the unfortunate reality is that it will not always go smoothly.
The most common reason for a delay is the enormous volume of applications USCIS receives every year. This volume often overwhelms the agents working on these cases, which can make applications lag for months or even longer.
Applicant error can also occur. This could include using the wrong form, failing to provide additional documentation requested by USCIS, or leaving parts of the application blank. Errors on the government side can also make this issue worse. For example, USCIS could fail to notify applicants that they want additional documentation or details.
Determining the cause of the holdup is just the first step in this process. After a thorough investigation, an immigration attorney in Newark could assist with resolving any delays.
There is no set period that makes an immigration delay unreasonable. Instead, it is essential to consider how responsive USCIS has been during this process. If the federal government has made it clear they need additional documentation or are reviewing a particular issue closely, that may not qualify as unreasonable.
Alternatively, many experience months or years without a response from federal agents. This could indicate that something is wrong or the file has fallen through the cracks. A Newark attorney could review the circumstances and determine if action should be taken on this immigration delay.
Legal counsel in Newark has a few options for addressing these immigration delays. One step is to contact USCIS directly to determine the cause. Sometimes, these phone calls and emails may be enough to get the case moving again.
When the informal approach is insufficient, the next step is often a writ of mandamus. This writ is a type of lawsuit that requires the government to perform a task they are already obligated to take on. In the immigration system, this includes making final decisions on visa applications. Keep in mind that when these actions are successful, they only guarantee a decision, not necessarily the desired decision.
No one should have to face an unreasonably long wait to get an answer on their visa or citizenship application. If you feel you have been treated unfairly, a Newark immigration delay lawyer could help you.
Let Eric M. Mark advocate for you today. Contact The Law Office of Eric M. Mark as soon as possible for a private consultation to discuss your options.