Covid-19 has only contributed to visa backlogs in the United States. Some individuals wanting to enter the US wait years for a green card! And if that isn’t discouraging enough, we’re beginning to see frustrated employers defer to international remote workers. We know that delays in visa processing are keeping families apart, but are these visa backlogs threatening the US economy, too?
What’s going on with the US visa backlog?
For those trying to enter the United States legally, the waiting period for a visa leaves some individuals in limbo with expired documentation. Unfortunately, shortages caused by the pandemic have resulted in a backlog of visa applications – nearly 1.5 million cases. While the Department states that visa processing takes approximately 4 weeks, some applicants have waited more than 400 days.
The backlog of visa applications can create complications, breed uncertainty, and cause frustrating situations for those going through the immigration process. As the backlog continues to extend wait times, pending immigration cases sit frozen. And since the US government has yet to address the issue, employers have been forced to depend on international and remote workers.
Are visa backlogs affecting the US economy?
What are the long-term implications of the visa backlog in the US? An expert from the Center for Immigration Studies, David North, says we should consider how the visa backlog will impact the labor market, the environment, the population, and future legislation. North concludes that the backlog of visas is a complex issue, but the outsourcing of American jobs will no doubt damage the US economy.
The delay in processing times for visas directly affects the capacity of US businesses to thrive by generating new economic opportunities and new jobs. During the pandemic, many of the US embassies and consulate offices were only offering emergency services, and many of them still face staffing shortages. One US State Department spokesperson reaffirmed the importance of reducing visa wait times and streamlining international travel to bolster the US economy.
How do visa backlogs affect immigrants?
The visa backlog has complicated the immigration process for many visa applicants. Some have been separated from their family or kept from working and providing for their family. Even more, the backlog highlights the inequities in the immigration process. While one solution could be to file a lawsuit over these administrative delays, this option is only available to those individuals who have the resources and the power. But since writs of mandamus filings have become more common, government agencies are forced to address the processing delays and seek solutions for unreasonable visa interview wait times.
Finding a solution to administrative problems
The State Department is currently addressing the gaps in staffing for consular positions, but swifter legislative action such as executive order could prevent the crisis from worsening. The last time visa wait times were this high, then-President Obama announced an executive order for 80% of all temporary visas to be pushed through and approved within 21 days.
New employees will allow US embassies and consulates to catch up as they operate at full capacity, but experts say that remote interviewing could speed up the process. An important 2021 settlement enables spouses of certain visa holders to extend their work authorizations automatically, which could be a good starting point for finding a solution to administrative problems.
The pandemic further highlighted the crucial role that international travel plays in the US economy and the US government currently appears eager to reduce the waiting times for nonimmigrant visas. It depends on which country the applicant is coming from, but we know that some individuals have waited hundreds of days for a visa interview. The average wait time for a visitor visa is reportedly about 5 weeks, down from 17 weeks less than a year ago. So while immigration experts are hopeful for immigration reform, it’s important to talk to an attorney experienced in the visa application process who can help you navigate visa wait times and deadlines.
Get your visa application started today!
If you have questions about the visa application process or an expired green card, the immigration team at Laird law can help you understand how the visa backlog impacts your specific situation. Call us today for legal advice grounded in immigration reform and justice.
