What is up with the incredible backlogs at the USCIS? Is there any way to expedite cases in emergencies?
USCIS is currently experiencing unprecedented backlogs at the regional service centers. This is in part due to a major national push to process a record number of naturalization applications. Applications that used to take a couple of weeks are now taking a few months and cases that used to take six months are now taking up to two years and more. This is extremely frustrating for all concerned, especially those who have emergent reasons why they need their application processed. USCIS will expedite applications in certain emergencies, for example when performers need to be in the U.S. by a certain time or when a child is “aging-out” (turning 21 and therefore losing derivative status). Each regional service center has its own procedures for handling expedited cases. Since such information is typically unavailable to the general public, legal help will usually need to be sought in order to pursue an expedited matter.
