Question One : When will the "freeze" be over?
Answer : It appears that, at least for I-485 (Adjustment of Status) cases,
there has been a thawing of the "freeze." As we reported December 20, 2002
in our article, "Update on Processing Delays"
<http://www.murthy.com/ukupdat2.html >, the INS states that they have nearly
completed their upgrade of the computer background check systems. This will
allow them to obtain the needed feedback. They stated that they are
currently able to obtain the needed information, but that the "freeze" has
created a backlog.
EDITORIAL COMMENTS : In tracking our own I-485 cases, we received what we
believe to be the first "post-freeze" approval. The Law Office of Sheela
Murthy received an I-485 approval from the Vermont Service Center (VSC) last
week. The case, filed November 30, 2001, was approved December 16, 2002. The
notice arrived a few days after the approval. Prior to the receipt of this
notice, our Office experienced a three-week break in approval notices. Given
our caseload, this three-week hiatus was unusual and attributable to the
"freeze." We will continue to track these matters.
Answer : It appears that, at least for I-485 (Adjustment of Status) cases,
there has been a thawing of the "freeze." As we reported December 20, 2002
in our article, "Update on Processing Delays"
<http://www.murthy.com/ukupdat2.html >, the INS states that they have nearly
completed their upgrade of the computer background check systems. This will
allow them to obtain the needed feedback. They stated that they are
currently able to obtain the needed information, but that the "freeze" has
created a backlog.
EDITORIAL COMMENTS : In tracking our own I-485 cases, we received what we
believe to be the first "post-freeze" approval. The Law Office of Sheela
Murthy received an I-485 approval from the Vermont Service Center (VSC) last
week. The case, filed November 30, 2001, was approved December 16, 2002. The
notice arrived a few days after the approval. Prior to the receipt of this
notice, our Office experienced a three-week break in approval notices. Given
our caseload, this three-week hiatus was unusual and attributable to the
"freeze." We will continue to track these matters.