US processes 10 million immigrations cases in 2023, breaking all records

Highlights: US processes a record-breaking 10 million US immigration cases  

• The USCIS processed 10 million applications in FY 2023 out of the 10.9 million application filings. 
• More than 878,500 new US citizens received an Oath of Allegiance from the USCIS.
• The average processing time for naturalization applicants reduced to 6.1 months from 10.5 months. 
• The USCIS introduced new technologies that have been implemented to elevate the customer experience.

 

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USCIS clears backlogs by 15% in FY 2023

The USCIS issued an end-of-year report illustrating the agency's success in FY 2023. The USCIS cleared more than 10 million pending US immigration cases, with an overall reduced backlog of 15%.”

The Oath of Allegiance was administered to more than 878,500 new US citizens, including 12,000 military members. The average processing time for naturalization applicants was also brought down to 6.1 months instead of 10.5 months, reducing waiting times significantly.

Initiatives taken by the USCIS to reduce backlogs

Some of the measures taken by the USCIS to reduce its overall immigration backlogs are as follows:

Enhancing Customer experience

The USCIS has implemented several new technologies to improve the customer experience. A new self-service tool was introduced to reschedule biometric appointments. Over 33,000 appointments were rescheduled with the new self-service tool for online biometrics appointments. 

The new updates in the address tool are expected to reduce phone enquiries to the USCIS Contact Center. An online request form with a new text-ahead capability is being implemented to minimize missed calls.

 

Strengthening Skilled Immigration Programs

The maximum validity period of Employment Authorisation Documents was increased to five years to support US employers and noncitizen workers. The USCIS also gave a clarification about the eligibility criteria for the International Entrepreneur Rule and the EB-1 immigrant visa.

New rules were proposed to protect the workers and maintain the integrity of the H-2 temporary worker program. The biometrics fee and appointment requirements were also removed to allow child beneficiaries of noncitizen workers to seek permanent residence along with their parents.

 

Implementing the Humanitarian Mission

The USCIS fulfilled its humanitarian needs by interviewing and fulfilling over 60,000 refugees from around the globe and completing more than 52,000 asylum cases, including the Afghan alliance cases, towards the end of FY 2023. 

As a key partner in the Safe Mobility Office initiative, the USCIS is taking measures to prevent refugees and migrants from undertaking dangerous journeys and does not support criminal smugglers with intentions to endanger the lives of vulnerable noncitizens.

 

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Plans for FY 2024

The USCIS aims to monitor and reduce processing delays by FY 2024 by maintaining the standard processing time of 30 days. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, also announced plans to admit 125,000 refugees by the end of FY 2024. The Safe Mobility Office Initiative will also work on increasing the refugee processing in the western Hemisphere.

The government plans to launch online filing of H-1B petitions by adding organizational accounts that would improve the customer experience in FY 2024.

 

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