Newly released data from USCIS demonstrates significant advancements in various areas including customer service, employment-based immigration, naturalization, and humanitarian efforts.
The USCIS workforce has been dedicated to upholding America’s commitment as a welcoming nation by reducing backlogs, enhancing customer satisfaction, addressing humanitarian crises, and strengthening employment-based immigration.
Director Ur M. Jaddou expressed pride in the USCIS team’s achievements, highlighting the completion of a record number of cases, rapid response to global humanitarian needs, and innovative solutions for improving service quality and reducing backlogs.
Backlog Reduction:
In FY 2023, USCIS received 10.9 million filings and successfully resolved over 10 million pending cases, marking a 15% reduction in overall backlogs. Notably, the agency administered the Oath of Allegiance to over 878,500 new U.S. citizens, including 12,000 military members, effectively eliminating the naturalization application backlog.
Enhanced Customer Experience:
USCIS introduced several technological solutions to enhance the immigration process for applicants. These include a self-service tool for rescheduling biometrics appointments, online change of address capabilities, and improved appointment scheduling and call-back systems.
Strengthening Immigration for Workers and Employers:
In FY 2023, USCIS issued over 192,000 employment-based immigrant visas, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, and ensured no visas went unused for the second consecutive year. The agency also extended Employment Authorization Document validity to five years for adjustment of status applicants and clarified eligibility for various immigration services.
Fulfilling Humanitarian Mission:
USCIS addressed increasing humanitarian needs by interviewing over 100,000 refugee applicants, doubling the previous year’s figure. The agency also prioritized asylum cases for Afghan allies and their families, completed a record number of credible fear screenings, and supported various administration efforts to establish lawful pathways for vulnerable populations.
Looking Ahead:
In FY 2024, USCIS aims to build on its progress, addressing processing delays, modernizing programs like the H-1B visa program, and maintaining timely case processing. Additionally, USCIS announced a new fee schedule to recover operating costs and prevent future backlogs, while continuing to advocate for supplemental funding from Congress.
The agency plans to expand its international presence, enhance online filing tools, and increase capacity for processing protection screenings and refugee admissions. Additionally, USCIS remains committed to supporting Afghan allies through Operation Enduring Welcome and bolstering resources for the HART Service Center.