Breaking Records: USCIS Clears Decade-Long Backlog with 10 Million Cases in FY 2023

Posted by Berd & Klauss, PLLC on March 7th, 2024

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has historically grappled with extensive backlogs—a situation exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Lockdowns and social distancing disrupted the visa process, affecting applications for naturalization and employment-based immigration. This uncertainty led many people to seek guidance from a NY visa lawyer.

In a significant turnaround, USCIS made strides in overcoming the backlog (as detailed in its fiscal year 2023 report). The agency has committed to becoming more efficient, reducing backlogs, addressing humanitarian needs, and enhancing customer service. It also wants to focus on supporting employment-based immigration.

Commitment to respect, integrity, and fairness

USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou highlights the agency's dedication to serving with integrity, fairness, and respect. Achievements include handling a record number of cases, offering humanitarian relief in response to global crises, and introducing innovative strategies to reduce backlogs and improve service.

Reducing the backlog

In the fiscal year 2023, USCIS got 10.0 million filings and fulfilled over 10 million pending cases. These are record-breaking numbers in its history, and in doing so, the agency successfully reduced its overall backlogs by 15%.

One of the significant accomplishments of the USCIS in FY 2023 is administering the Oath of Allegiance to over 878,500 new US citizens, including 12,000 military members, to eliminate naturalization application backlogs effectively. This reduced the median processing time for naturalization from 10.5 to 6.1 months by the end of the year, allowing the agency to achieve its longstanding goal and reduce the waiting times for individuals looking to earn their US citizenship.

Enhancing customer service

To better serve its customers, USCIS introduced new technology, including a self-service option for rescheduling biometrics appointments online. It has also made strides in supporting employment-based immigration, issuing over 192,000 visas in this category, a significant increase from pre-pandemic figures. For the second consecutive year, USCIS ensured all available visas were utilized.

Seek expert guidance on immigration.

If you're facing delays with your visa or naturalization application or encountering issues, seeking assistance from a qualified NY visa lawyer is a wise decision. Berd & Klauss, PLLC, offers expert immigration advice. To schedule an appointment, call 212-461-7152.

About the Author:

This content is written by Patrick Klauss, Esq, an immigration lawyer and a partner at Berd & Klauss, PLLC. The firm specializes in immigration and immigration-related issues and handles everything from immigrant visas to deportation and waivers.