There is no question that securing a green card or becoming a naturalized citizen takes time. While patience is a virtue, there are times when this waiting can become unreasonably long. When that happens, you could benefit from a discussion with a Phoenix immigration delay lawyer.
While some delays are unavoidable, others are the result of mistakes or carelessness within United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). A practiced immigration attorney could identify the issues and work to resolve them as soon as possible.
Different issues can arise that cause the visa application process to grind to a halt. It is important to note that some of these delays are natural and cannot be avoided. However, some of these issues can involve the following:
Given the high volume of paperwork that funnels through USCIS each year, it should come as no surprise that documents are lost. When files are lost or misplaced, it can lead to lengthy delays.
Some of the delays that occur during this process are because USCIS lacks the necessary documentation to reach a decision. This might include anything from medical records to a marriage certificate. Sometimes, these delays happen because the applicant failed to supply those documents, but in many cases, the federal government does not request them in the first place.
One of the most common reasons for delays involves poor communication from USCIS. If a non-resident or their attorney is not aware that the government needs additional documentation to reach a decision, they will not be prepared to provide it.
USCIS handles thousands of files each year, and every one of them takes time. Some are more complicated than others, but resolving them could still be possible with the help of an immigration delay attorney in Phoenix.
One of the benefits of hiring an immigration lawyer in Phoenix is that they can resolve delays in some situations. Different strategies can get the case moving again, especially with the support of a strong legal team. Often, the simplest way to resolve an unreasonable delay is by having a legal professional make contact with USCIS. Many delays are caused by internal mistakes or errors within the federal government, and a single phone call could be enough to get an application back in front of the right person.
Not every issue can be resolved in this way. For situations where USCIS is not helpful or fails to respond at all, a writ of mandamus could be the answer. This type of legal proceeding is invaluable when the government fails to give an answer in cases like this.
A writ of mandamus is a lawsuit that asks the court to require an administrative agency to perform an action it is already tasked with completing. For USCIS, this usually means deciding on a visa application. It is important to note that a writ of mandamus only pushes the government to make a decision. The outcome of the case may not necessarily be favorable. However, USCIS is also barred from retaliating against an immigrant because of a successful writ.
If you are facing a lengthy delay when dealing with USCIS, you have the right to seek the help of legal counsel. A Phoenix immigration delay lawyer could get to the bottom of the issue and deal directly with the government to get a decision in your case.
