Why is it taking so long to process my citizenship application?

Question

I have lived here for 18 years (moved here when I was 9, mom got citizenship after I turned 14 so I did not automatically become a citizen). Two years ago I qualified and applied for US citizenship. Here I am with multiple letters in reply to my inquiries as to what is taking so long, stating that the background check is being conducted. I just got a letter in the mail today that says I have to go in to be re-fingerprinted since my fingerprints have expired. WTF? I have heard that this slow process is happening to a lot of people, and some are suing which expedited their bg check. I don't have the money to sue, so what can I do? This is so unfair...

Answer 1

USCIS announced that they received estimated 2 million applications, just before the filing fee went up enormously last year July. That added delayed any process to already backlogged process. Even though you can sue USCIS, background check and name clearance is conducted by FBI. USCIS will say it is FBI holding your process. All I can say is be patient because there are tons of people are unfortunate situation like you who must deal with USCIS.

Answer 2

If there weren't so many people applying for immigration, it would not get so bogged down!  Remember that over 1.1 million people get US citizenship each year, and over 10 million people enter on various immigration, employment, student, business, tourist, etc. visas.  You are one application out of many millions, so stop getting bent out of shape over it.  You can't keep 10 million people straight, so don't expect anybody else can, either.  And remember, you do not need to come to the third-most heavily populated country in the world.  Stop whining!

Answer 3

I totally agree with ibu above me except the number of LEGAL immigrants is now OVER 1.3 million.  We are adding a HUGE city every year to a country that can't medicate, house, power, transport or educate the 300+ million we already have.

I will add that the immigration process you are undertaking is mostly funded by taxpayers.  So if you would like it to better, easier and less troublesome you can always volunteer to give them more money to help it out.  It still won't make it faster though due to the reasons that ibu stated.

Answer 4

The system is slow, they don't care if you are or aren't a citizen yet.  They go home at night and don't worry about you.  It's a game and everyone has to play it.  just keep on top of everything.  Ger your fingerprints redone, keep checking on your background check, keep every paper you have, and be persistent.  If one person gives you advice, call back.  You'll be surprised what the next person may be able to do for you.

Answer 5

its all bureaucracy and red tape government is always slow...

Answer 6

From what Ive heard it just takes forever.

Good luck!

It took my friend like 5 years just to get her visa... the kind that one gets when they want to live in the US but not become a citizen.