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The U.S. immigration system is under growing strain, with the backlog of pending applications reaching an all-time high of 11.3 million, according to data from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The slowdown in processing and rising delays are leaving millions of applicants in a state of legal and personal limbo.
What To Know:
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- The USCIS backlog now stands at 11.3 million pending immigration cases. The highest number ever recorded.
- Only 2.7 million cases completed in Q2 FY2025. A significant drop in throughput compared to previous quarters.
- Over 34,000 unopened cases remain in the system. Marking the return of a “frontlog” not seen since fiscal year 2024.
- Green card replacement delays worsen. Form I-90 processing times have increased dramatically, now taking over eight months to complete.
- Work permit (Form I-765) delays continue to grow. The number of pending applications has more than doubled since the previous quarter.
- Employment-based visa processing slows. Form I-129 delays are affecting H-1B and L-1 visa applicants.
- Automation efforts paused. USCIS suspended its Streamlined Case Processing program, which contributed to slower approval times.
- Advance parole (Form I-131) backlog shows some improvement. One of the few categories to see a reduction in pending cases.
Stay with Newsweek for the latest updates.
Mask snatched off ICE agent by California protester
A federal agent stands watch outside an apartment complex during a raid Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025, in east Denver.
David Zalubowski/AP
A protester in California appeared to snatch off a federal agent’s mask during an altercation last week, according to new footage.
The video, released by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), shows a woman confronting federal law enforcement officials behind a police line in San Diego. After an officer holds her by the arms, she can be seen pushing him in the face, removing his face covering.
ICE has been pushed into the national spotlight surrounding immigration enforcement in recent months. The agency has received growing criticism for allowing its agents to carry out targeted enforcement operations in plain clothes and face coverings.
ICE officials argue that masks are crucial to protect agents and their families from death threats. The agency is facing increased scrutiny as President Donald Trump directs his administration to remove millions of migrants without legal status. California lawmakers and members of Congress have introduced legislation to prohibit federal agents from donning masks during enforcement operations.
