Backlog Reduction is Budget Priority Posted Feb 20, 2004 The USCIS has requested a 60% increase in funding for case processing backlog reduction, as part of the fiscal year (FY) 2005 budget. Director Eduardo Aguirre proclaimed that he anticipates an increase of $60 million to reach a processing goal of six months put forth by President Bush. The backlog initiative received funding of $100 million for FY2004. Since the beginning of FY2004 on October 1, 2003 to now, we have not seen any apparent reduction in the case backlogs. In addition to the amounts allocated to backlog reduction, an additional amount of at least $20 million collected from the $1000 per application premium processing fees will also go to backlog reduction efforts. We do hope that the backlog reduction goals, or anything reasonably close to them, will become a reality. These goals and additional funds are in stark contrast to information provided by the Vermont Service Center (VSC) on February 5, 2004, when it was asked about backlog reduction. The VSC reported the money available for overtime wages for its personnel has actually decreased in the current fiscal year. Because of this reduction, the VSC stated that the number of case adjudications has decreased. The VSC has to allocate its human resources according to a set of priorities for case adjudications. Some cases have to be processed within a set timeframe, due to regulatory requirements. These cases are given top priority. The second priority is given to cases, such as I-765 Employment Authorization Document (EAD) requests, that will cause additional work for the local offices if not processed in a timely manner. Everything else is prioritized based upon unstated, internal criteria. We also note that, although the premium processing monies are supposed to go to backlog reduction, the normal processing times for H1Bs have increased. There are times when the premium processing procedure is an enormous benefit in a case. However, with a fee of $1000 for each case, there should be enough money to expedite the particular case without compromising other cases. This does not seem to be happening. For the time being, we certainly hope that the USCIS receives the additional funding requested. We also hope that it is used wisely and that some real progress can be realized. We would urge for an investment in I-485 processing. If I-485s could be processed in a timely manner, there would be fewer requests for extended EADs and renewed Advance Paroles. Fingerprints could be taken once, rather than repeatedly. Other areas in dire need of attention are I-824s and reentry permits. This list is certainly not exhaustive; many other areas need to be addressed to have an immigration benefits system that meets the needs of employers and families. © The Law Office of Sheela Murthy, P.C.
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