Message_NN1 from_PRP the_AT0 Citizenship_NN1 and_CJC Immigration_NN1 Services_NN2 Ombudsman_NN1 
As_CJS the_AT0 seventh_ORD Citizenship_NN1 and_CJC Immigration_NN1 Services_NN2 Ombudsman_NN1 recently_AV0 appointed_VVN by_PRP the_AT0 Biden_NP0 Administration_NN1 ,_PUN I_PNP am_VBB honored_VVN to_TO0 submit_VVI this_DT0 2021_CRD Annual_AJ0 Report_NN1 to_PRP Congress_NN1 ._SENT This_DT0 Report_NN1 ,_PUN required_VVN to_TO0 be_VBI presented_VVN each_DT0 year_NN1 on_PRP June_NP0 30_CRD ,_PUN is_VBZ intended_VVN to_TO0 alert_VVI Congress_NN1 to_PRP some_DT0 of_PRF the_AT0 most_AV0 pervasive_AJ0 issues_NN2 affecting_VVG the_AT0 administration_NN1 of_PRF immigration_NN1 benefits_NN2 at_PRP U.S._NP0 Citizenship_NN1 and_CJC Immigration_NN1 Services_NN2 (_PUL USCIS_NP0 )_PUR ._SENT 
This_DT0 Report_NN1 reflects_VVZ the_AT0 outstanding_AJ0 efforts_NN2 of_PRF a_AT0 dedicated_AJ0 team_NN1 of_PRF public_AJ0 servants_NN2 who_PNQ provide_VVB well-researched_AJ0 ,_PUN balanced_AJ0 ,_PUN and_CJC actionable_AJ0 recommendations_NN2 ,_PUN informed_VVN by_PRP our_DPS office_NN1 's_POS conduit_NN1 to_PRP the_AT0 immigration_NN1 community_NN1 and_CJC a_AT0 deep_AJ0 understanding_NN1 of_PRF the_AT0 work_NN1 of_PRF the_AT0 agency_NN1 ._SENT 
I_PNP want_VVB to_TO0 thank_VVI and_CJC acknowledge_VVI the_AT0 talented_AJ0 stewardship_NN1 of_PRF Deputy_NN1 Ombudsman_NN1 Nathaniel_NP0 Stiefel_NP0 and_CJC the_AT0 work_NN1 of_PRF our_DPS agile_AJ0 and_CJC capable_AJ0 staff_NN0 ,_PUN who_PNQ seamlessly_AV0 pivoted_VVD operations_NN2 to_PRP a_AT0 remote_AJ0 environment_NN1 during_PRP the_AT0 coronavirus_NN1 (_PUL COVID-19_CRD )_PUR pandemic_AJ0 ._SENT Their_DPS spirit_NN1 and_CJC commitment_NN1 allowed_VVD the_AT0 office_NN1 to_TO0 continue_VVI to_TO0 thrive_VVI in_PRP carrying_VVG out_AVP our_DPS statutory_AJ0 three-part_AJ0 mission_NN1 ._SENT This_DT0 message_NN1 will_VM0 outline_VVI the_AT0 major_AJ0 developments_NN2 and_CJC future_AJ0 priorities_NN2 in_PRP these_DT0 three_CRD mission_NN1 areas_NN2 ._SENT 
THE_AT0 PAST_AJ0 YEAR_NN1 
Requests_NN2 for_PRP Case_NN1 Assistance_NN1 ._SENT The_AT0 unprecedented_AJ0 challenges_NN2 and_CJC uncertainties_NN2 revolving_AJ0 around_PRP seeking_VVG and_CJC maintaining_VVG immigration_NN1 status_NN1 during_PRP the_AT0 pandemic_AJ0 underscored_VVD the_AT0 need_NN1 for_PRP the_AT0 office_NN1 's_POS continued_AJ0 support_NN1 to_PRP the_AT0 public_NN1 as_PRP an_AT0 avenue_NN1 of_PRF last_ORD resort_NN1 ._SENT In_PRP response_NN1 to_PRP the_AT0 disruption_NN1 of_PRF services_NN2 and_CJC growing_AJ0 backlogs_NN2 at_PRP USCIS_NN1 ,_PUN applicants_NN2 and_CJC others_NN2 came_VVD to_PRP us_PNP when_CJS resolution_NN1 eluded_VVD them_PNP with_PRP the_AT0 agency_NN1 ._SENT The_AT0 CIS_NN2 Ombudsman_NN1 received_VVD 14_CRD ,_PUN 618_CRD requests_NN2 for_PRP case_NN1 assistance_NN1 in_PRP 2020_CRD ,_PUN with_PRP requests_NN2 escalating_VVG sharply_AV0 in_PRP the_AT0 second_ORD half_NN1 of_PRF the_AT0 year_NN1 —_PUN a_AT0 25_CRD percent_NN0 increase_NN1 over_PRP our_DPS annual_AJ0 average_NN1 ,_PUN with_PRP no_AT0 corresponding_AJ0 increase_NN1 in_PRP staff_NN0 or_CJC other_AJ0 resources_NN2 ._SENT The_AT0 surge_NN1 resulted_VVN in_PRP delays_NN2 in_PRP our_DPS office_NN1 's_POS ability_NN1 to_TO0 respond_VVI timely_AJ0 to_PRP these_DT0 requests_NN2 ._SENT Eliminating_VVG this_DT0 backlog_NN1 and_CJC scaling_VVG up_AVP our_DPS capacity_NN1 to_TO0 respond_VVI to_PRP case_NN1 inquiries_NN2 are_VBB top_AJ0 priorities_NN2 ;_PUN we_PNP recognize_VVB that_CJT each_DT0 request_NN1 represents_VVZ a_AT0 journey_NN1 interrupted_VVN in_PRP pursuit_NN1 of_PRF a_AT0 better_AJC life_NN1 in_PRP the_AT0 United_NP0 States_NP0 ._SENT 
Stakeholder_NN1 Engagement_NN1 ._SENT Despite_PRP the_AT0 inability_NN1 to_TO0 travel_VVI due_AJ0 to_PRP COVID-19_AJ0 restrictions_NN2 ,_PUN the_AT0 office_NN1 engaged_VVN with_PRP a_AT0 greater_AJC number_NN1 and_CJC more_AV0 diverse_AJ0 set_NN1 of_PRF stakeholders_NN2 than_CJS ever_AV0 before_AV0 ._SENT We_PNP took_VVD advantage_NN1 of_PRF a_AT0 silver_NN1 lining_NN1 :_PUN the_AT0 public_NN1 's_POS increased_AJ0 comfort_NN1 with_PRP the_AT0 use_NN1 of_PRF remote_AJ0 meeting_NN1 platforms_NN2 and_CJC other_AJ0 modalities_NN2 as_PRP a_AT0 means_NN0 of_PRF effective_AJ0 communication_NN1 ._SENT We_PNP held_VVD more_AV0 than_CJS 125_CRD stakeholder_NN1 engagements_NN2 in_PRP 2020_CRD —_PUN a_AT0 record_NN1 high_AJ0 for_PRP our_DPS small_AJ0 office_NN1 ._SENT These_DT0 engagements_NN2 allowed_VVD us_PNP to_TO0 feel_VVI the_AT0 pulse_NN1 of_PRF trends_NN2 and_CJC new_AJ0 challenges_NN2 across_PRP the_AT0 country_NN1 and_CJC ,_PUN in_PRP conjunction_NN1 with_PRP our_DPS casework_NN1 ,_PUN distill_VVB issues_NN2 and_CJC serve_VVB as_PRP a_AT0 "_PUQ canary_NN1 in_PRP the_AT0 coal_NN1 mine_NN1 "_PUQ for_PRP USCIS_NN1 ._SENT We_PNP can_VM0 ,_PUN and_CJC regularly_AV0 do_VDB ,_PUN bring_VVB these_DT0 issues_NN2 to_PRP the_AT0 attention_NN1 of_PRF the_AT0 agency_NN1 and_CJC urge_NN1 action_NN1 before_CJS problems_NN2 escalate_VVB ._SENT A_AT0 new_AJ0 series_NN0 of_PRF webinars_NN2 we_PNP are_VBB hosting_VVG with_PRP colleagues_NN2 from_PRP USCIS_NN1 to_TO0 address_VVI pressing_VVG COVID-related_AJ0 and_CJC other_AJ0 public_AJ0 information_NN1 needs_NN2 has_VHZ enjoyed_VVN record_NN1 attendance_NN1 and_CJC engendered_VVD a_AT0 greater_AJC sense_NN1 of_PRF collaboration_NN1 than_CJS ever_AV0 before_AV0 ._SENT As_CJS a_AT0 result_NN1 ,_PUN there_EX0 is_VBZ a_AT0 growing_AJ0 recognition_NN1 that_CJT our_DPS office_NN1 can_VM0 serve_VVI as_PRP a_AT0 force_NN1 multiplier_NN1 to_PRP the_AT0 agency_NN1 's_POS goal_NN1 of_PRF disseminating_AJ0 accurate_AJ0 information_NN1 and_CJC help_VVB to_TO0 set_VVI customer_NN1 expectations_NN2 ._SENT Our_DPS work_NN1 together_AV0 to_TO0 identify_VVI and_CJC address_VVI customer_NN1 service_NN1 challenges_NN2 has_VHZ gained_VVN new_AJ0 momentum_NN1 ._SENT 
Recommendations_NN2 ._SENT In_PRP addition_NN1 to_PRP studying_VVG the_AT0 important_AJ0 and_CJC long-standing_AJ0 systemic_AJ0 issues_NN2 identified_VVN in_PRP our_DPS Annual_AJ0 Report_NN1 ,_PUN our_DPS Policy_NN1 Division_NN1 made_VVD suggestions_NN2 to_PRP the_AT0 agency_NN1 throughout_PRP the_AT0 year_NN1 to_TO0 enhance_VVI administrative_AJ0 processing_NN1 and_CJC help_VVB both_DT0 the_AT0 agency_NN1 and_CJC customers_NN2 adapt_VVB and_CJC innovate_VVB ._SENT The_AT0 agency_NN1 responded_VVD positively_AV0 to_PRP many_DT0 of_PRF our_DPS suggestions_NN2 ,_PUN in_PRP particular_AJ0 those_DT0 related_VVN to_PRP delays_NN2 in_PRP issuing_VVG receipt_NN1 notices_NN2 at_PRP lockbox_NN1 facilities_NN2 and_CJC the_AT0 impact_NN1 of_PRF the_AT0 biometrics_NN1 requirement_NN1 for_PRP the_AT0 extensions_NN2 of_PRF derivatives_NN2 of_PRF H_ZZ0 ,_PUN L_ZZ0 ,_PUN and_CJC E_ZZ0 visas_NN2 ._SENT The_AT0 recent_AJ0 implementation_NN1 of_PRF these_DT0 processing_NN1 improvements_NN2 provided_VVD relief_NN1 to_PRP thousands_CRD of_PRF USCIS_NN1 customers_NN2 ._SENT 
THE_AT0 WAY_NN1 FORWARD_AV0 
As_CJS detailed_AJ0 in_PRP this_DT0 Report_NN1 ,_PUN USCIS_NP0 faces_VVZ unprecedented_AJ0 challenges_NN2 this_DT0 year_NN1 on_PRP virtually_AV0 every_AT0 front_NN1 —_PUN from_PRP financial_AJ0 pressures_NN2 to_PRP substantial_AJ0 backlogs_NN2 across_PRP applications_NN2 and_CJC petitions_NN2 of_PRF all_DT0 types_NN2 ._SENT We_PNP applaud_VVB the_AT0 numerous_AJ0 innovations_NN2 the_AT0 agency_NN1 put_VVN in_PRP place_NN1 in_PRP response_NN1 to_PRP the_AT0 pandemic_AJ0 —_PUN from_PRP drive-through_AJ0 oath_NN1 ceremonies_NN2 to_PRP remote_AJ0 interviews_NN2 —_PUN and_CJC urge_VVB the_AT0 agency_NN1 to_TO0 continue_VVI identifying_VVG opportunities_NN2 for_PRP efficiencies_NN2 without_PRP undermining_VVG integrity_NN1 ._SENT Encouraging_VVG the_AT0 agency_NN1 to_PRP fully_AV0 transition_NN1 to_PRP a_AT0 digital_AJ0 environment_NN1 and_CJC to_TO0 build_VVI upon_PRP the_AT0 innovations_NN2 created_VVN in_PRP response_NN1 to_PRP COVID-19_NN1 is_VBZ a_AT0 theme_NN1 of_PRF this_DT0 Report_NN1 ._SENT It_PNP is_VBZ my_DPS expectation_NN1 that_CJT our_DPS office_NN1 will_VM0 follow_VVI suit_NN1 in_PRP upgrading_VVG our_DPS own_DT0 operations_NN2 ._SENT 
As_CJS we_PNP approach_VVB Fiscal_AJ0 Year_NN1 (_PUL FY_NP0 )_PUR 2022_CRD ,_PUN we_PNP are_VBB developing_VVG a_AT0 strategic_AJ0 plan_NN1 that_CJT will_VM0 guide_VVI our_DPS efforts_NN2 to_TO0 improve_VVI our_DPS customer_NN1 service_NN1 through_PRP use_NN1 of_PRF technology_NN1 and_CJC ensure_VVB that_CJT our_DPS services_NN2 are_VBB in_PRP sync_NN1 with_PRP the_AT0 advancements_NN2 made_VVN by_PRP the_AT0 agency_NN1 ._SENT We_PNP will_VM0 set_VVI clear_AJ0 expectations_NN2 with_PRP our_DPS stakeholders_NN2 as_CJS to_PRP when_AVQ we_PNP can_VM0 help_VVI and_CJC when_CJS we_PNP cannot_VVB ,_PUN so_AV0 that_CJT we_PNP can_VM0 maximize_VVI our_DPS attention_NN1 on_PRP those_DT0 cases_NN2 where_CJS we_PNP can_VM0 make_VVI a_AT0 difference_NN1 ._SENT We_PNP are_VBB working_VVG to_TO0 redesign_VVI our_DPS website_NN1 to_TO0 make_VVI it_PNP easier_AJC for_PRP the_AT0 public_NN1 to_TO0 submit_VVI a_AT0 request_NN1 for_PRP case_NN1 assistance_NN1 and_CJC learn_VVB about_PRP casework_NN1 trends_NN2 ,_PUN engagement_NN1 activities_NN2 ,_PUN and_CJC the_AT0 office_NN1 's_POS priorities_NN2 ._SENT This_DT0 effort_NN1 will_VM0 also_AV0 include_VVI a_AT0 revision_NN1 of_PRF our_DPS Form_NN1 DHS-7001_NN1 ,_PUN Request_NN1 for_PRP Case_NN1 Assistance_NN1 ._SENT 
Another_DT0 strategic_AJ0 priority_NN1 will_VM0 be_VBI to_TO0 improve_VVI our_DPS case_NN1 work_NN1 response_NN1 time_NN1 ._SENT Those_DT0 seeking_VVG assistance_NN1 from_PRP our_DPS office_NN1 have_VHB already_AV0 exhausted_VVN numerous_AJ0 avenues_NN2 for_PRP assistance_NN1 and_CJC often_AV0 waited_VVD months_NN2 or_CJC years_NN2 for_PRP relief_NN1 ._SENT Further_AV0 ,_PUN we_PNP can_VM0 only_AV0 achieve_VVI our_DPS paramount_AJ0 role_NN1 in_PRP identifying_VVG trends_NN2 and_CJC informing_VVG the_AT0 agency_NN1 about_PRP problems_NN2 if_CJS we_PNP are_VBB current_AJ0 in_PRP responding_VVG to_PRP requests_NN2 for_PRP assistance_NN1 ._SENT Our_DPS office_NN1 should_VM0 serve_VVI as_PRP an_AT0 ambassador_NN1 for_PRP the_AT0 use_NN1 of_PRF USCIS_NP0 '_POS electronic_AJ0 tools_NN2 and_CJC help_NN1 customers_NN2 successfully_AV0 navigate_VVB their_DPS own_DT0 immigration_NN1 experience_NN1 ._SENT We_PNP also_AV0 are_VBB working_VVG diligently_AV0 to_TO0 expand_VVI access_NN1 to_PRP the_AT0 office_NN1 's_POS services_NN2 ,_PUN particularly_AV0 for_PRP vulnerable_AJ0 and_CJC underserved_AJ0 populations_NN2 ,_PUN such_DT0 as_PRP those_DT0 with_PRP limited_AJ0 English_AJ0 proficiency_NN1 and_CJC individuals_NN2 applying_VVG for_PRP humanitarian_AJ0 benefits_NN2 ._SENT This_DT0 will_VM0 be_VBI a_AT0 continued_AJ0 focus_NN1 for_PRP our_DPS office_NN1 and_CJC will_VM0 greatly_AV0 enhance_VVI our_DPS understanding_NN1 of_PRF the_AT0 issues_NN2 and_CJC their_DPS impact_NN1 on_PRP the_AT0 public_NN1 ._SENT 
On_PRP the_AT0 research_NN1 and_CJC policy_NN1 front_NN1 ,_PUN we_PNP will_VM0 be_VBI more_AV0 proactive_AJ0 ._SENT We_PNP will_VM0 resume_VVI the_AT0 practice_NN1 of_PRF releasing_VVG studies_NN2 and_CJC recommendations_NN2 throughout_PRP the_AT0 year_NN1 and_CJC increase_VVB the_AT0 cadence_NN1 by_PRP which_DTQ we_PNP share_VVB trends_NN2 with_PRP the_AT0 agency_NN1 ,_PUN provide_VVB relevant_AJ0 and_CJC actionable_AJ0 solutions_NN2 to_PRP problems_NN2 ,_PUN and_CJC offer_VVB help_NN1 to_PRP the_AT0 agency_NN1 and_CJC our_DPS departmental_AJ0 and_CJC interagency_NN1 partners_NN2 ._SENT 
President_NP0 Biden_NP0 has_VHZ signaled_VVN his_DPS intent_NN1 to_TO0 make_VVI immigration_NN1 laws_NN2 and_CJC policy_NN1 work_NN1 for_PRP the_AT0 betterment_NN1 of_PRF our_DPS Nation_NN1 and_CJC to_TO0 create_VVI a_AT0 more_AV0 responsive_AJ0 and_CJC transparent_AJ0 immigration_NN1 system_NN1 ._SENT The_AT0 goals_NN2 of_PRF the_AT0 Administration_NN1 's_POS Executive_NN1 Order_NN1 14012_CRD ,_PUN Restoring_VVG Faith_NN1 in_PRP our_DPS Legal_AJ0 Immigration_NN1 Systems_NN2 and_CJC Strengthening_VVG Integration_NN1 and_CJC Inclusion_NN1 Efforts_NN2 for_PRP New_AJ0 Americans_NN2 ,_PUN and_CJC the_AT0 express_AJ0 commitment_NN1 to_TO0 identify_VVI barriers_NN2 that_CJT impede_VVB access_NN1 to_PRP immigration_NN1 benefits_NN2 —_PUN squarely_AV0 align_VVB with_PRP our_DPS office_NN1 's_POS mission_NN1 ._SENT The_AT0 Executive_AJ0 Order_NN1 invites_VVZ enhanced_AJ0 collaboration_NN1 within_PRP the_AT0 agency_NN1 on_PRP many_DT0 fronts_NN2 ._SENT I_PNP look_VVB forward_AV0 to_PRP joining_VVG the_AT0 considerable_AJ0 progress_NN1 already_AV0 underway_AV0 and_CJC contributing_VVG our_DPS office_NN1 's_POS unique_AJ0 strengths_NN2 and_CJC perspectives_NN2 to_PRP this_DT0 historic_AJ0 effort_NN1 ._SENT 
While_CJS I_PNP am_VBB new_AJ0 to_PRP the_AT0 position_NN1 of_PRF CIS_NN2 Ombudsman_NN1 ,_PUN I_PNP am_VBB no_AT0 stranger_NN1 to_PRP the_AT0 complex_AJ0 challenges_NN2 facing_VVG governments_NN2 dealing_VVG with_PRP immigration_NN1 ,_PUN having_VHG worked_VVN for_PRP USCIS_NN1 ,_PUN its_DPS predecessor_NN1 the_AT0 Immigration_NN1 and_CJC Naturalization_NN1 Services_NN2 ,_PUN the_AT0 U.S._NP0 Immigration_NN1 and_CJC Customs_NN2 Enforcement_NN1 ,_PUN the_AT0 Department_NN1 of_PRF Justice_NN1 ,_PUN the_AT0 United_AJ0 Nations_NN2 High_AJ0 Commissioner_NN1 for_PRP Refugees_NN2 ,_PUN and_CJC the_AT0 International_AJ0 Organization_NN1 for_PRP Migration_NN1 ._SENT As_CJS a_AT0 public-facing_AJ0 program_NN1 office_NN1 that_CJT abides_VVZ by_PRP the_AT0 ombudsman_NN1 principles_NN2 of_PRF independence_NN1 ,_PUN impartiality_NN1 ,_PUN and_CJC confidentiality_NN1 ,_PUN our_DPS strength_NN1 derives_VVZ from_PRP our_DPS work_NN1 with_PRP the_AT0 full_AJ0 range_NN1 of_PRF stakeholders_NN2 —_PUN individuals_NN2 ,_PUN employers_NN2 ,_PUN advocates_NN2 ,_PUN government_NN1 partners_NN2 ,_PUN and_CJC Members_NN2 of_PRF Congress_NN1 —_PUN who_PNQ care_VVB deeply_AV0 about_PRP the_AT0 immigration_NN1 agenda_NN1 ._SENT 
This_DT0 Annual_AJ0 Report_NN1 's_POS recommendations_NN2 are_VBB intended_VVN to_TO0 provide_VVI both_DT0 Congress_NN1 and_CJC the_AT0 public_NN1 with_PRP insights_NN2 about_PRP some_DT0 of_PRF the_AT0 most_AV0 pressing_AJ0 challenges_NN2 within_PRP our_DPS immigration_NN1 system_NN1 and_CJC ways_NN2 to_TO0 approach_VVI them_PNP that_CJT are_VBB constructive_AJ0 ,_PUN actionable_AJ0 ,_PUN and_CJC reflect_VVB the_AT0 spirit_NN1 and_CJC purpose_NN1 for_PRP which_DTQ our_DPS office_NN1 was_VBD created_VVN ._SENT 
Sincerely_AV0 ,_PUN 
Phyllis_NP0 A_ZZ0 ._SENT Coven_NN1 
CIS_NN2 Ombudsman_NN1 
Office_NN1 of_PRF the_AT0 Citizenship_NN1 and_CJC Immigration_NN1 
Services_NN2 Ombudsman_NN1 Department_NN1 of_PRF Homeland_NN1 Security_NN1 
replaced-email_NN1 
Executive_AJ0 Summary_NN1 
The_AT0 Office_NN1 of_PRF the_AT0 Citizenship_NN1 and_CJC Immigration_NN1 Services_NN2 Ombudsman_NN1 (_PUL CIS_NN2 Ombudsman_NN1 )_PUR 2021_CRD Annual_AJ0 Report_NN1 covers_VVZ calendar_NN1 year_NN1 2020_CRD ,_PUN as_CJS well_AV0 as_CJS key_AJ0 developments_NN2 in_PRP early_AJ0 2021_CRD ,_PUN and_CJC contains_VVZ :_PUN 
•_PUN An_AT0 overview_NN1 of_PRF the_AT0 CIS_NN2 Ombudsman_NN1 's_POS mission_NN1 and_CJC services_NN2 ;_PUN 
•_PUN A_AT0 review_NN1 of_PRF U.S._NP0 Citizenship_NN1 and_CJC Immigration_NN1 Services_NN2 (_PUL USCIS_NP0 )_PUR programmatic_AJ0 and_CJC policy_NN1 challenges_NN2 during_PRP this_DT0 reporting_NN1 period_NN1 ;_PUN and_CJC 
•_PUN A_AT0 detailed_AJ0 discussion_NN1 of_PRF pervasive_AJ0 problems_NN2 ,_PUN recommendations_NN2 ,_PUN and_CJC best_AJS practices_NN2 in_PRP the_AT0 administration_NN1 of_PRF our_DPS immigration_NN1 laws_NN2 ._SENT 
KEY_AJ0 DEVELOPMENTS_NN2 AND_CJC AREAS_NN2 OF_PRF FOCUS_NN1 
USCIS_NN1 in_PRP the_AT0 Time_NN1 of_PRF COVID-19_NN1 :_PUN A_AT0 Year_NN1 Like_PRP No_AT0 Other_AJ0 
The_AT0 coronavirus_NN1 (_PUL COVID-19_CRD )_PUR pandemic_AJ0 created_AJ0 unique_AJ0 challenges_NN2 for_PRP USCIS_NN1 ,_PUN a_AT0 public-serving_AJ0 entity_NN1 that_CJT typically_AV0 conducts_VVZ thousands_CRD of_PRF in-person_AJ0 appointments_NN2 each_DT0 day_NN1 ._SENT Temporary_AJ0 office_NN1 closures_NN2 and_CJC a_AT0 lack_NN1 of_PRF product_NN1 lines_NN2 available_AJ0 for_PRP end-to-end_AJ0 electronic_AJ0 processing_NN1 put_VVD strains_NN2 on_PRP USCIS_NP0 '_POS ability_NN1 to_TO0 adjudicate_VVI remotely_AV0 ._SENT Upon_PRP resuming_VVG operations_NN2 at_PRP a_AT0 reduced_AJ0 capacity_NN1 ,_PUN USCIS_NP0 had_VHD substantial_AJ0 backlogs_NN2 of_PRF in-person_AJ0 appointments_NN2 that_CJT needed_VVD rescheduling_NN1 ._SENT The_AT0 pandemic_AJ0 also_AV0 exacerbated_VVN USCIS_NP0 '_POS preexisting_AJ0 financial_AJ0 issues_NN2 and_CJC decimated_AJ0 carryover_NN1 funding_NN1 needed_VVD to_TO0 maintain_VVI its_DPS operations_NN2 ._SENT The_AT0 agency_NN1 avoided_VVD furloughing_VVG its_DPS employees_NN2 through_PRP spending_NN1 cuts_NN2 ,_PUN including_PRP descoping_AJ0 contracts_NN2 ,_PUN ordering_VVG all_DT0 components_NN2 to_TO0 reduce_VVI their_DPS budgets_NN2 ,_PUN and_CJC imposing_VVG a_AT0 hiring_NN1 freeze_NN1 that_CJT would_VM0 last_VVI into_PRP Fiscal_AJ0 Year_NN1 (_PUL FY_NP0 )_PUR 2021._CRD A_AT0 court-enjoined_AJ0 fee_NN1 rule_NN1 contributed_VVN to_PRP further_AJC fiscal_AJ0 complications_NN2 ._SENT The_AT0 lingering_AJ0 effects_NN2 of_PRF temporary_AJ0 office_NN1 closures_NN2 ,_PUN insufficient_AJ0 revenue_NN1 ,_PUN and_CJC budget_NN1 cuts_NN2 continue_VVB to_PRP impact_NN1 processing_NN1 times_NN2 and_CJC customer_NN1 service_NN1 functions_NN2 ._SENT The_AT0 pandemic_AJ0 demonstrated_VVD the_AT0 importance_NN1 of_PRF a_AT0 robust_AJ0 public_AJ0 engagement_NN1 effort_NN1 and_CJC the_AT0 need_NN1 for_PRP an_AT0 adequate_AJ0 emergency_NN1 preparedness_NN1 plan_NN1 ._SENT Creative_AJ0 strategies_NN2 implemented_VVN during_PRP the_AT0 pandemic_AJ0 also_AV0 offer_VVB cost-effective_AJ0 long-term_AJ0 solutions_NN2 for_PRP better_AJC balancing_NN1 of_PRF workloads_NN2 and_CJC overcoming_VVG resource_NN1 constraints_NN2 ._SENT 
NTA_NP0 Issuance_NN1 :_PUN Problems_NN2 Persist_VVB 
USCIS_NN1 policy_NN1 guidance_NN1 establishes_VVZ the_AT0 circumstances_NN2 under_PRP which_DTQ the_AT0 agency_NN1 issues_NN2 Notices_VVZ to_TO0 Appear_VVI (_PUL NTAs_NP0 )_PUR ,_PUN and_CJC it_PNP typically_AV0 reflects_VVZ the_AT0 enforcement_NN1 priorities_NN2 of_PRF the_AT0 Department_NN1 of_PRF Homeland_NN1 Security_NN1 (_PUL DHS_NP0 )_PUR ._SENT In_PRP 2018_CRD ,_PUN USCIS_NP0 issued_VVD such_DT0 guidance_NN1 that_CJT made_VVD more_DT0 noncitizens_NN2 subject_AJ0 to_PRP removal_NN1 proceedings_NN2 ._SENT The_AT0 2018_CRD guidance_NN1 also_AV0 expanded_VVN USCIS_NP0 '_POS role_NN1 in_PRP preparing_VVG and_CJC serving_VVG NTAs_NN2 on_PRP noncitizens_NN2 and_CJC on_PRP the_AT0 immigration_NN1 courts_NN2 directly_AV0 and_CJC without_PRP deference_NN1 to_PRP U.S._NP0 Immigration_NN1 and_CJC Customs_NN2 Enforcement_NN1 (_PUL ICE_NN1 )_PUR ._SENT Although_CJS this_DT0 guidance_NN1 has_VHZ been_VBN rescinded_VVN ,_PUN and_CJC USCIS_NP0 has_VHZ reverted_VVN to_PRP following_AJ0 guidance_NN1 established_VVN in_PRP 2011_CRD ,_PUN its_DPS implementation_NN1 accentuated_VVD long-standing_AJ0 systemic_AJ0 issues_NN2 ,_PUN such_DT0 as_PRP NTA_NP0 service_NN1 errors_NN2 ,_PUN jurisdictional_AJ0 problems_NN2 ,_PUN and_CJC an_AT0 overall_AJ0 lack_NN1 of_PRF transparency_NN1 in_PRP the_AT0 process_NN1 ._SENT In_PRP addition_NN1 ,_PUN lengthy_AJ0 USCIS_NN1 delays_NN2 in_PRP adjudicating_VVG collateral_NN1 benefit_NN1 requests_NN2 for_PRP those_DT0 in_PRP removal_NN1 proceedings_NN2 translate_VVB into_PRP inefficiencies_NN2 for_PRP immigration_NN1 courts_NN2 and_CJC a_AT0 lack_NN1 of_PRF finality_NN1 for_PRP noncitizens_NN2 ._SENT These_DT0 issues_NN2 ,_PUN which_DTQ create_VVB administrative_AJ0 burdens_NN2 for_PRP the_AT0 government_NN1 and_CJC due_AJ0 process_NN1 consequences_NN2 for_PRP the_AT0 noncitizen_NN1 ,_PUN require_VVB attention_NN1 regardless_AV0 of_PRF changes_NN2 made_VVN to_PRP enforcement_NN1 priorities_NN2 ._SENT Future_AJ0 guidance_NN1 should_VM0 aim_VVI to_TO0 enhance_VVI coordination_NN1 between_PRP USCIS_NN1 ,_PUN ICE_NN1 ,_PUN and_CJC the_AT0 Department_NN1 of_PRF Justice_NP0 (_PUL DOJ_NP0 )_PUR to_TO0 address_VVI operational_AJ0 challenges_NN2 ._SENT USCIS_NP0 can_VM0 resolve_VVI its_DPS own_DT0 recurring_AJ0 service_NN1 issues_NN2 by_PRP developing_AJ0 guidance_NN1 to_TO0 define_VVI when_AVQ in-person_AJ0 service_NN1 is_VBZ not_XX0 practicable_AJ0 ;_PUN serving_VVG NTAs_NN2 via_PRP certified_AJ0 mail_NN1 ;_PUN and_CJC updating_VVG the_AT0 appropriate_AJ0 case_NN1 management_NN1 system_NN1 to_TO0 reflect_VVI that_CJT an_AT0 NTA_NN1 has_VHZ been_VBN issued_VVN ._SENT To_TO0 increase_VVI administrative_AJ0 efficiency_NN1 ,_PUN DHS_NP0 ,_PUN in_PRP conjunction_NN1 with_PRP DOJ_NP0 ,_PUN should_VM0 consider_VVI a_AT0 regulatory_AJ0 change_NN1 that_CJT would_VM0 provide_VVI immigration_NN1 judges_NN2 with_PRP authority_NN1 to_TO0 adjudicate_VVI immediate_AJ0 relative_AJ0 petitions_NN2 ._SENT 
The_AT0 Wedding_NN1 Bell_NN1 Blues_NN2 :_PUN Processing_NN1 of_PRF Removal_NN1 of_PRF Conditions_NN2 for_PRP Conditional_AJ0 Permanent_AJ0 Residents_NN2 Based_VVN on_PRP Marriage_NN1 
Congress_NN1 enacted_VVD the_AT0 Immigration_NN1 Marriage_NN1 Fraud_NN1 Amendments_NN2 Act_NN1 of_PRF 1986_CRD (_PUL IMFA_AJ0 )_PUR to_TO0 deter_VVI marriage-based_AJ0 immigration_NN1 fraud_NN1 ._SENT The_AT0 law_NN1 imposes_VVZ an_AT0 initial_AJ0 two-year_AJ0 period_NN1 of_PRF conditional_AJ0 residence_NN1 on_PRP certain_AJ0 spouses_NN2 and_CJC dependent_AJ0 children_NN2 and_CJC establishes_VVZ a_AT0 procedure_NN1 for_PRP removing_VVG the_AT0 conditions_NN2 through_PRP the_AT0 filing_NN1 of_PRF the_AT0 Form_NN1 I-751_NN1 ,_PUN Petition_NN1 to_PRP Remove_VVB Conditions_NN2 on_PRP Residence_NN1 ._SENT The_AT0 IMFA_AJ0 also_AV0 mandated_AJ0 specific_AJ0 processing_NN1 timeframes_NN2 for_PRP the_AT0 interview_NN1 and_CJC adjudication_NN1 of_PRF the_AT0 Form_NN1 I-751_NN1 ._SENT However_AV0 ,_PUN due_AJ0 primarily_AV0 to_PRP competing_AJ0 priorities_NN2 ,_PUN USCIS_NP0 '_POS current_AJ0 Form_NN1 I-751_NN1 processing_NN1 times_NN2 fail_VVB to_TO0 comply_VVI with_PRP the_AT0 statutory_AJ0 timeframes_NN2 ._SENT Recent_AJ0 modifications_NN2 made_VVN to_PRP the_AT0 interview_NN1 waiver_NN1 criteria_NN2 and_CJC decreased_AJ0 completion_NN1 rates_NN2 have_VHB exacerbated_VVN delays_NN2 ._SENT Current_AJ0 wait_NN1 times_NN2 not_XX0 only_AV0 contribute_VVI to_PRP numerous_AJ0 challenges_NN2 for_PRP Conditional_AJ0 Permanent_AJ0 Residents_NN2 (_PUL CPRs_NP0 )_PUR ,_PUN such_DT0 as_PRP lapses_NN2 in_PRP status_NN1 documentation_NN1 and_CJC delays_NN2 in_PRP naturalization_NN1 ,_PUN but_CJC they_PNP also_AV0 dilute_VVB the_AT0 legislative_AJ0 intent_NN1 of_PRF the_AT0 IMFA_AJ0 and_CJC have_VHB resulted_VVN in_PRP unintended_AJ0 consequences_NN2 that_DT0 Congress_NN1 had_VHD hoped_VVN to_TO0 avoid_VVI ._SENT 
