Washington DC Immigration Delay Lawyer

Delays in processing immigration applications have increased over the last couple of years, making it hard for families struggling to make ends meet, as well as victims of violence and those coming to the United States for work.

If your immigration application is taking too long (or you think it might have disappeared into a black hole), consider getting in touch with a Washington DC immigration delay lawyer to address the delay. An experienced immigration attorney will hold the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)—which is responsible for processing immigration cases—accountable and do everything to get your case moving.

How an Immigration Delay Lawyer Could Help

When an immigration petition in DC is delayed, it can feel like there are no options available. However, a DC immigration delay lawyer may be able to help by:

  • Inquiring about the case in writing or even in-person at USCIS;
  • Contacting the client’s Senator or Congressional Representative to request a congressional inquiry;
  • Getting in touch with the American Immigration Lawyers Association liaison to spur case action;
  • Asking the USCIS directly if they can expedite the case based on an emergency; or
  • Filing a lawsuit against the USCIS to force them into action on long-pending immigration cases.

Possible Reasons for an Immigration Delay

There are several reasons why an immigration case may be delayed, including the following:

The office is has a lot of applications coming their way. The USCIS typically handles immigration cases on a first-come, first-serve basis, which means if the office is backed up, there may be a long wait. Plus, the USCIS often has limited resources, which means people have to wait longer to hear back.

The application got lost. It is not unreasonable to suspect that a file has gone missing. That is why it is important to make copies of files and avoid sending originals if at all possible. That way you can resend the application if needed.

A background security check is causing the delay. In some immigration cases, fingerprints (and other biometrics) must be sent to the FBI to check for a criminal background check. This background check process can take several weeks or even several months, depending on the situation, which will hold up an immigration case while the other agency is reviewing the file.

A Request for Evidence (RFE) was not responded to efficiently (or at all). In some cases, the USCIS will send back an application, asking for additional evidence and materials before they can approve or deny an immigration petition. If an individual ignores the RFE, responds too late, or does not provide the correct materials the second time around, the case may be delayed indefinitely.

Contact a DC Immigration Delay Attorney Today

If the USCIS seems like it is taking forever to make a decision in your immigration case (whether it is a family visa case, immigration petition, Green Card, naturalization, asylum seeker or anything in between), it is important to hold the USCIS accountable by contacting a Washington DC immigration delay lawyer.

We will help get the ball rolling and ensure your application is not lost in the depths of a government building. Get in touch today to find out more about how we can help you.