Recently, USCIS employees received notice that by August 30, 2020 two-thirds of their staff will be furloughed. This is an extremely high number, and though the Trump Administration cites the furlough as a failure on Congress’s part to reach a new coronavirus deal, many critics of the decision see this move as yet another strategy that the Trump Administration is using to stifle immigration to the United States.
Since the individuals working for USCIS are in charge of administering green cards, visas and providing immigrants with various other immigration-related services, one can only expect that this will have a drastic effect on immigration to the United States as a whole.
In fact, in a recent interview conducted by Forbes with Doug Rand, an individual who worked on immigration policy in the Obama Administration, Rand detailed the extent to which he felt the move by the Trump Administration would impact immigration to the U.S.
In the interview, Rand stated that millions of immigrants may be affected by the Trump Administration’s move, including up to 3 million individuals who will apply for green cards and temporary work visas. Additionally, there are over 760,000 permanent residents who have to renew their green cards every year, and if they cannot do so due to the mass furloughs, there is a very good chance that they may lose their permanent resident status as a result. Additionally, there are over 400,000 DACA recipients, and if they cannot renew their permits, they risk being deported. Finally, there are over 156,000 married couples who require a final interview to achieve permanent resident status, and if they are unable to receive that interview within the allotted timeframe, they may lose out on their chance to become citizens as well.
Rather obviously, we have not yet seen how this will precisely impact legal immigration into the United States, however, as of now, the outcome does look grim. That being said, if you are currently going through the immigration process, or you are about to enter the process, it is in your best interest to reach out to our knowledgeable Wisconsin immigration attorneys today to learn more about how this move may affect you, and how we may be able to help you through the process ahead. For any additional questions, simply pick up the phone and give us a call today.
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John Sesini is an experienced immigration attorney with offices in Green Bay and Milwaukee Wisconsin. Our firm understands what is at stake when it comes to immigration law matters, which is why If you have any questions, you should not hesitate to contact the Sesini Law Group, S.C., and schedule your initial consultation with our firm today.