U.S. Immigration Application Backlog Affects Millions

Why it matters locally: Texas, home to the second-largest immigrant population in the U.S., is significantly affected by processing delays that impact individuals seeking work authorization and legal residency status across the state.

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Millions of applications for legal residency and work authorization in the United States face processing delays, according to an analysis by NPR. Individuals applying for various immigration benefits experience extended waiting periods. These applications include those for green cards, work permits, and asylum. Data indicates a substantial backlog within the U.S. immigration system. Factors contributing to these delays include increased application volume and administrative processing requirements. The Los Angeles Federal Building houses offices for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. These agencies process immigration applications and enforce immigration laws. Processing delays affect people attempting to establish legal status in the United States.