Archaic System Slowed Immigration Benefits Amid Pandemic: Report

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ reliance on paper files limited its ability to process benefits even after reopening offices during the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a new report from the Department of Homeland Security’s watchdog.

Ineffective technology further slowed the work of USCIS, the Homeland Security office charged with adjudicating immigration benefits as well as temporary work visas. Those challenges added to wait times for applicants and fueled a growing backlog of cases at the agency, the report found. The Office of Inspector General report was issued Dec. 28 but released to the public Monday.

The inspector general recommended ...