The backlog of naturalization applicants around country now exceeds two million, the highest in the recorded history of US naturalization. In a story reported by the New York Times last month, immigration advocates from around the country expressed concerns that at the current pace of processing, applications might not be heard for up to five years in some parts of the country. The INS office in Los Angeles currently has the greatest backlog of applicants at 405,000. The INS’ New York office reportedly has 282,000 applications pending.
Some steps are being taken to address the backlog. In Los Angeles, the INS has began hiring retired INS officers and other temporary workers to deal with naturalization cases. And in Northern California, San Francisco County and Santa Clara County leaders have offered to supply clerical workers to the INS offices in the area in older to clear through the backlogs. Officials in those counties fear that the failure to naturalize their residents may mean they are stuck shouldering the costs of providing benefits such as health care and financial assistance to the elderly.
About a year ago, Dade County, Florida offered to provide similar assistance. However, Miami’s county was unable to complete the maze of bureaucratic requirements necessary to loan its workers. In California, INS officials have expressed optimism that an agreement can be reached that will allow County clerical workers to work with INS officials.
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