Waiting (im)-patiently
Immigration is a game of waiting. Sometimes for years or decades. For example, a nice man from KCK was just approved for permanent residence. His brother had filed for him in 1998! It took a LOT of patience - on his part and his lawyer’s!
There are different lines or paths that a person gets into with Immigration, (depending on what relative is sponsoring) or what qualifications the immigrant possesses (in the case of employment sponsorship).
I just checked on a Relative Petition that was FILED in 2015, and the government still has not made a decision on the petition. It is in line - a long line - and there is no hurry to make a decision. Except that the clients want an answer!
Patience and waiting are the name of the game - especially in Immigration Court, if you haven’t heard.
Last week, I had a trial scheduled where the application had been pending for over 4 years. Because of the Government shutdown, the case got continued and we will be lucky to be re-scheduled before 2022.
For some people, delay is a blessing and for others, it is a nightmare. Imagine putting your life on hold for years - not being able to pursue your dreams or start a family or get married. I often talk about the immigration system being broken, and these are just a few of the ways that the process is clearly out of control.
While you wait, here are some tips to protect yourself: 1. Learn how to check your case status on-line; 2. Stay in touch with your Immigration Lawyer; 3. Make sure to turn in change of addresses correctly and to every office that needs to receive it; 4. Stay out of criminal trouble the entire time; 5. Use your time wisely and be prepared for changes in the law; 6. Learn how to advocate and don’t be afraid to start contacting your Congressional offices NOW!
To check on your pending case: www.uscis.gov.
To check on Removal hearings: 1-800-898-7180.
