The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is facing a growing backlog of green card and other immigration applications, leaving millions of applicants in legal limbo and at increased risk of deportation. The delays stem from policy changes and staffing shortages that have slowed processing times significantly.
Part 1: Immediate Action & Core Facts
Since 2025, USCIS has implemented stricter vetting and administrative scrutiny for green card applications, leading to longer processing times. Nearly 12 million immigration applications—including green cards, citizenship, and work permits—are pending, according to data reviewed by NPR. The backlog has surged since the start of the second Trump administration, with applicants often waiting months without confirmation their applications were even received.
Part 2: Deeper Dive & Context
Policy Changes and Processing Delays
USCIS has introduced new layers of administrative review, including stricter checks for errors like incorrect fees or outdated forms. These changes have made the application process more rigorous, according to former senior USCIS official Ricky Murray, who noted that enforcement practices have become "more tedious than ever." Staffing shortages, exacerbated by a mass exodus of employees in 2025, have further slowed adjudications.
Impact on Applicants
The delays leave immigrants vulnerable to deportation, as prolonged processing times mean they may lack legal status for extended periods. David Bier, director of immigration studies at the Cato Institute, described the strategy as "throttling everything" to prioritize deportations over processing applications that could prevent arrests.
Government Response
USCIS has not publicly commented on the backlog or policy changes. However, the agency has emphasized the need for thorough vetting to ensure national security and compliance with immigration laws.
Long-Term Implications
The backlog could have lasting effects on legal immigration, with applicants facing uncertainty and financial strain as they wait for approvals. Advocates argue the delays disproportionately affect low-income immigrants who rely on timely processing to secure work permits or permanent residency.