50,000 USCIS Green Cards Printing Backed Up - Updated July 31st!

Have you received your Green Card yet? Many green card applicants have finally reached the end of the cumbersome application process but the happy ending is yet to come - their Green Cards are not delivered in mail yet.

There have been reported delays on receiving Green Cards from many applicants and the reason could be USCIS's recent green card printing back-up!

USCIS Green Card Printing Backed Up

USCIS recently reported that they failed to renew their contract with the printing vendor in June and planned to bring the Green Cards printing tasks back in-house. The Green Card printing facilities in the US are impacted by COVID-19 and are forced to reduce their printing capacity. This is probably why many approved applicants are still waiting for their printed card.

Also, we all know that USCIS is currently facing budget challenges and might furlough 75% of its workforce in August if they don't receive enough funding. There are two major backlogs of about 75,000 EAD cards and 50,000 Green Cards reported.

*New Updates: Judge Ruled USCIS to Clear Delayed Work Permits and Green Cards within 7 Days

How Does the Pending Card Impact Approved Green Card Applicants?

1) Employment is probably the biggest issues if your Green Card doesn't arrive in time. Employees are not able to change jobs, start a new job or even continue with their current jobs. 

If your current work visa is expired and you haven't received your green card, you won't be able to renew your I-9 employment verification document; which means you will have to stop working until you receive it. For people who are searching for a new job, you also need to present the card as an employment authorization so this will impact certain employers and employees. 

2) It is required by law that Green Card holders need to carry the evidence to prove their permanent residency. Without a physical card, you might have to bring the approval notice and other supporting document.

*New Updates: USCIS announced in July that those who haven't received their green cards due to printing delays may be able to use I-551 stamps as temporary permit for international traveling and employment authorization (work permit).

How to Secure My I-551 Stamps

1. You need to have an "emergent need" as determined by a USCIS rep
2. Contact USCIS contact center at 1-800-375-5283 to arrange an appointments with your local district office. 

Sounds like this can be just the beginning of the chaos, I hope USCIS will be able to manage the printing issue and allow immigrants to get back to their normal life!

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