It has been a very trying year for many people, for many reasons – and there are very few areas of life that have not be affected. Unfortunately, the immigration system is an area that is experiencing plenty of challenges, leaving many people in limbo or unsure about their status within the United States.
Current immigration challenges
Among the many recent changes, the Department of State has almost completely stopped overseas visa processing. Crossings at the northern and southern borders are also severely restricted, while immigration court hearings have slowed dramatically, with some types of cases halted altogether.
These disruptions, combined with what seem to be constantly changing immigration policies, have created a severe backlog of cases to be adjudicated. Routine visa services at all embassies and consulates around the world have been suspended. This has affected not only those with employment based visas, but also family based. Even those with permanent U.S. residency have been denied re-entry due to tightened travel restrictions from a number of countries.
Seeking assistance during this difficult period
If you feel like you are stuck in the immigration process and are unsure which way to turn at the moment, know that you are not alone. Thousands of others are with you, and there is help available. Working with an experienced immigration attorney who can review your current situation and help determine what legal options are available to address your specific case can be an important first step to seeking an acceptable resolution to any pressing immigration related issues.