Question One : When will the freeze really be over?
Answer : It appears that there is a very slow "thawing" of the freeze. Although the INS stated recently that they had completed the necessary computer upgrades, the case approvals are certainly nowhere near normal levels. Our Office has still only received a few "post-freeze" I-485 approvals. This is atypical, given the number of approvals we ordinarily receive. The most recent information from the INS, issued on December 19, 2002, is that approval notices are being issued on some I-485 notices, particularly for "age-out" cases. For those who may not be familiar with an age-out case, it occurs when a child will turn 21 years of age and thus be unable to enjoy any immigration benefits if the INS does not adjudicate the case before the 21st birthday. The INS reports that they are receiving a "trickle" of the necessary security checks required for issuance of case approvals. We certainly hope the New Year brings relief from this delay.
Answer : It appears that there is a very slow "thawing" of the freeze. Although the INS stated recently that they had completed the necessary computer upgrades, the case approvals are certainly nowhere near normal levels. Our Office has still only received a few "post-freeze" I-485 approvals. This is atypical, given the number of approvals we ordinarily receive. The most recent information from the INS, issued on December 19, 2002, is that approval notices are being issued on some I-485 notices, particularly for "age-out" cases. For those who may not be familiar with an age-out case, it occurs when a child will turn 21 years of age and thus be unable to enjoy any immigration benefits if the INS does not adjudicate the case before the 21st birthday. The INS reports that they are receiving a "trickle" of the necessary security checks required for issuance of case approvals. We certainly hope the New Year brings relief from this delay.
