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, 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, 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.