Record-High USCIS Backlogs in Early 2025: What Immigrants Need to Know

According to the latest data from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the U.S. immigration system is experiencing an unprecedented backlog as of the first quarter of 2025. Over 11.3 million immigration cases are pending, with more than 34,000 unopened cases, causing delays even at the initial processing stage.

Which immigration applications are most affected?

Several types of immigration forms are currently experiencing significant delays:

• Form I-90 (Green card renewal/replacement): Delays have increased as the Simplified Case Processing (SCP) program has been suspended, forcing applicants to wait longer for lawful permanent resident status.
• Form I-765 (Work Permit): This is especially affecting asylum seekers and those changing their status, as many are waiting longer to receive work authorization.
• Form I-131 (Re-entry Permit): Over 60,000 applications are pending, with processing times now averaging 5.8 months.
• Employment-Based Green Cards & H-1B Visas: Rising demand and a sharp increase in Requests for Evidence (RFE) are causing delays that disrupt business operations and skilled labor recruitment.

Key reasons behind the USCIS backlog

• Increased fraud screening: Policies implemented under the previous administration have led USCIS to adopt more stringent document verification practices.
• Suspension of SCP program: This fast-track processing tool was halted, forcing many cases to be manually reviewed, significantly increasing timelines.
• Staffing shortages: USCIS continues to struggle with insufficient personnel to handle the overwhelming number of applications.
• Higher rate of RFEs: More applicants are being asked to provide additional documents before a decision can be made, slowing down overall processing.

How does this impact immigrants

The growing backlog is causing widespread uncertainty and hardship among immigrant communities:

• ✅ Family reunification: Many families are forced to wait years before reuniting with loved ones.
• ✅ Employment opportunities: Delays in EAD (work permit) issuance are disrupting livelihoods, especially for those who depend on legal work status.
• ✅ Humanitarian cases: Asylum seekers and vulnerable applicants face prolonged insecurity while waiting for their cases to be reviewed.

Guidance from Pacific Immigration

With processing times and USCIS policies in constant flux, it’s more important than ever to:

• Submit complete and accurate applications from the start
• Stay up to date with policy changes and processing trends
• Seek reliable professional support to avoid unnecessary delays

At Pacific Immigration, we assist clients across all 50 states with green cards, family petitions, citizenship, and work visa cases. Let us help you move forward confidently.