Government Audit Finds Green Card Processing Goals Are Unrealistic

By Jennifer Hickey | April 6, 2018

A new report from the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) found U.S. Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS) consistently unable to meet the 120-day goal set to process green card applications. The findings were not surprising, but the audit’s candor was unique.

It may come as no surprise that the OIG found a government agency falling short of its goals, it was a refreshing change that the recommendation was not to spend more money or hire more staff. Instead, they suggest moving the goal to reflect reality.

“Given their responsibility and the consequences of their decisions, [Immigration Service Officers] should continue to be given time to thoroughly vet applicants, especially if adjudicating green card applications becomes more complex,” notes the report.

Therefore, the IG recommends reassessing the processing time “to determine whether it is reasonable and realistic and increase the timeframe if necessary.”

Interestingly, the report also acknowledges a fact which few lawmakers and open border advocates will concede:/p>

“[G]reen cards are the gateway to citizenship. Therefore, the integrity of the citizenship process depends on careful adjudication of green card applications,” says the IG.