Expect Significant Continued Delays in Card Production by USCIS

July 22, 2020

The Ombudsman’s Office of the USCIS provided an update today regarding card  production delays, and warned that production backlogs will likely worsen in light of the expected USCIS furlough of employees on August 3, 2020.

In a letter to stakeholders, the Ombudsman’s Office explained that starting in June 2020 the USCIS reduced its capacity to print green cards and Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) after it “ended a contract with an outside company responsible for printing these cards. According to the USCIS, it intended to hire federal employees to replace the contractors; however, its financial situation resulted in a hiring freeze that has impacted the printing of these secure cards.” 

Individuals needing evidence of their work authorization may be impacted by these government delays. To exacerbate the situation, many local USCIS offices are still closed (or not accepting walk-ins) due to COVID-19 preventative measures. The Ombudsman’s Office suggested trying to make an appointment via the USCIS’ Contact Center at 1-800-375-5282. 

The Ombudsman’s Office is accepting requests for case assistance but indicated their assistance consists of “sending weekly spreadsheets to USCIS to verify card requests are in line to be processed,” so not likely to yield quick results.

The American Immigration Lawyers Association is preparing to file class action lawsuits for both the delay in green card and EAD production, pending identification of plaintiffs. If you are impacted by the delays in card production, and interested in joining a class action lawsuit or pursuing other legal action, please contact your attorney at Weaver Schlenger.