Have You Been Waiting to Have Your US Immigration Case Heard?
If you have been waiting for what seems like an excessively long time to have your immigration case heard, you may be feeling confused and upset about the long wait times. While it may not provide you with much comfort and reassurance, the reality is that you would not be alone in this situation. Currently, there are as many as two million pending U.S. immigration cases. As a result, several noncitizen individuals and families are stuck waiting years to have their case seen in an immigration court.
Coming to the United States to live is not always an easy, quick, or straightforward process. It can be highly confusing, and this is especially so when an individual wants to come to the U.S. without knowing the language or the rules. Having assistance can be extremely beneficial. For more information on how to successfully navigate the U.S. immigration system, please reach out to an Atlanta immigration attorney at Shirazi Immigration Law Inc.
Why the Holdup in the U.S. Immigration Court System?
There is a noticeable and growing backlog of pending immigration cases in the United States immigration court system. So much so that since 2017, the number of cases waiting to be heard has tripled. All of these delays result in greater frustration and disappointment with the system and, not just by noncitizens who want to come to the U.S. The backlog also presents challenges for attorneys, judges, and immigration court staff.
The delays are doing three things.
- The delays are making some individuals and families have to endure staying on standby for prolonged periods of time while they wait to have their day in court. This includes vulnerable populations who may need relief from their current living situation through asylum.
- The delays put off deportations for individuals who are not eligible to stay in the U.S.
- The delays cause increased work and responsibilities for immigration judges and the court’s staff.
The issues are said to be a result of both staffing and management problems. To remedy things, the United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) recommends that a strategic workforce plan be developed and executed. In addition, the GAO strongly suggests that the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) have a plan in place defining goals for management and holding them accountable for meeting those goals. Last, it has been proposed that the EOIR communicate with Congress regarding necessary resources and needs that the office requires to conduct operations more efficiently.
If you are feeling like your journey to the United States has come with many setbacks, it is important not to give up. Obtaining citizenship is possible, and an attorney at Shirazi Immigration Law Inc. can help you achieve your U.S. immigration goals.
Call an Atlanta Immigration Attorney Today
If you have questions about immigrating to the U.S. or if you would like assistance with your immigration case, you can consult with an immigration attorney at Shirazi Immigration Law Inc.
For a consultation to discuss your needs and case, please call an Atlanta, GA, immigration lawyer, Shirazi Immigration Law Inc., today at 404-523-3611.
Source:
gao.gov/blog/u.s.-immigration-courts-see-significant-and-growing-backlog
