John Valdez’s Legal Blog

For as long as I have been practicing, the Immigration Service has been faulted for failing to utilize up-to-date technology.  Antiquated computers, software, and high technology systems have certainly contributed to long processing times on immigration applications.  Faced with increased criticism for its failure to keep up with 21st century technology, to its credit, the immigration agencies have made some significant technological improvements.  A number of applications may now be submitted online,  INFOPASS, a new online appointment process, has significantly reduced the wait time at immigration offices, and the Premium Processing Program provides nearly instant feedback via email on pending applications. 

The results of immigration technology upgrades are uneven.  While the above-noted upgrades have produced some positive results, there are still large backlogs of cases causing very slow processing in general.  Even PERM, the new online labor certification process, has now slowed tremendously.  Where I once saw PERM cases completed in a couple of days, I am now seeing processing times of several months.

Other areas of modernization related to immigration enforcement are also less than perfect.  There is really no word on when a border fence will be completed, and there is certainly no guarantee that it will ever be completed or will be effective.  The E-Verify program likewise is not perfect.  This program provides an electronic system verification of work authorization that links databases of the USCIS and Social Security Administration and provides electronic feedback to employers.  Numerous cases of errors have been reported in the system, which have caused serious problems for individuals facing inaccurate reports of their ineligibility to work. 

I believe that the immigration agencies will make technological advancements that will improve their effectiveness, but there will always be problems areas.  We, the immigration attorneys at Smith & Garg, PC can help make your immigration experience as smooth as possible, under any circumstance.