Latest news with #UnitedStatesCitizenshipandImmigrationServices
Time of India
20 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Now, Indians eye US entry through paid authorships; fake papers used to fast-track EB1A visas
HYDERABAD: With US immigration authorities tightening the noose around visa-related fraud, a new malpractice is gaining traction among Indians eyeing entry into America: buying authorship in journals to land an EB1A visa. This visa is awarded to individuals with "extraordinary ability" in science, arts, business, or athletics, and fast-tracks their green card route. As per United States Citizenship and Immigration Services norms, an individual must fulfil at least three out of the 10 criteria to secure an EB1A visa. One of these is evidence of authorship of scholarly articles in professional or major publications. You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad The waiting period for a green card through this visa is about three years, while through other visas (like H1B) it stretches up to decades. Visa shortcut for Rs 1.6 lakh: Fake authorship slots up for grabs Many mid-career professionals with decent pay packages and leading positions in big firms - which are also part of the 10 criteria - are the ones usually opting for this route. "That way, their profile checks two boxes and the third can be bought," alleged Abhishek Bakare, a Seattle-based software engineer who developed ScholarlyTrust - a free AI tool that vets the credibility of academic journals and papers using public data - and has extensively investigated this "trend". Multiple other sources TOI spoke to confirmed it. They claimed applicants pay a hefty sum of anywhere between $500 and $2,000 (Rs 43,000-1.6 lakh) to agents operating in both India and the US to buy authorship slots in academic research papers - often as third or fourth authors. These agents, in turn, broker deals with journals or conference organisers to sneak their clients' names into pre-written manuscripts or arrange ghostwritten submissions altogether. These doctored publications are then flaunted as "evidence" in EB1A petitions, despite the visa requiring original contributions to one's field of work. One such software-developer-turned-agent in the US, who identified himself as Atharv, said, "I have two papers ready with fourth author positions, each priced at $500. The payment is to be made via UPI apps. The paper will be presented at a conference in Paris, which only the lead author needs to attend, which means that individuals availing these services will not have to do anything after their names are listed." Some agents, sources alleged, even offer slots in backdated articles. A tout based out of India, who identified himself as Rishab, claimed, "We have a 2022 article where the third author slot is available for ₹20,000. We have tie-ups with publication facilitators. Once the payment is made upfront, names will be added immediately. We also offer peer-reviewed article options." Several of these "authors" are now in the US, claimed Bakare. "They have added papers to their work portfolios and even showcased them on LinkedIn, falsely claiming authorship," he said, adding that he stumbled upon this practice while analysing datasets through ScholarlyTrust. "I started noticing patterns: odd clusters of publications from India, vague authorship, and dodgy conference listings... later, when I posed as a prospective client and spoke to brokers in India and the US, I found that they offered everything - authorship slots, peer review roles, even judging panels (another of the 10 criteria) to falsely bolster EB1A applications," Bakare alleged. While the number of takers from the two Telugu states remains modest for now, interest is spiking - especially from IT professionals hoping to upgrade from work visas to EB1A status, said Arun Teja, a Hyderabad-based immigration consultant. "But with the US ramping up scrutiny, this loophole is also likely to close soon," he said.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
11 million US visa backlog crushes Indian H-1B, green card dreams: Decoded
The United States is now sitting on an immigration backlog of 11.3 million pending cases—its highest ever—following a surge of 1.6 million cases in the second quarter of financial year 2025, covering January to March. This is the first major dataset published since Donald Trump returned to office, and comes from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) portal. USCIS processed just 2.7 million cases during the quarter, down from 3.3 million during the same period last year. Compared to the previous quarter alone, completions fell by 12 per cent. One of the more striking developments is the return of a 'frontlog' — over 34,000 cases were waiting to be opened or assigned, a scenario not seen in more than a year. Key forms are taking longer than ever Form I-129 (used for H-1B and L-1 employment-based visas): Median processing time jumped 25 per cent from the previous quarter, and 80 per cent year-on-year. Form I-90 (green card replacements): Wait time surged from 0.8 months to over 8 months within one quarter, marking a 938 per cent increase. Form I-765 (work permits): Pending initial applications rose 87 per cent. Total pending forms—across renewals and reissues—now exceed 2 million, up from 1.2 million. Net backlog for I-765s (cases outside processing norms): Up by nearly 181 per cent. There was some movement in the other direction for Form I-129s, which saw a 75 per cent drop in net backlog from the previous quarter. However, applications under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) programme declined by over 8,000. What this means for employers and foreign workers For foreign nationals on temporary work visas and their employers, the delays are already making daily operations uncertain. 'In some cases, candidates may not be authorised to enter the US or start work when anticipated. For employees currently maintaining status, adjudication delays may lead to a lapse in work authorisation or an inability to travel internationally,' Blake Miller, partner at Fragomen, a US-based immigration law firm told Business Standard. 'Ultimately, delayed processing causes uncertainty for employers around their workforce and for visa holders' ongoing employment and lawful immigration status.' Charles Kuck, founding partner at Kuck Baxter in Atlanta, put it bluntly: 'In simple words, people cannot start their jobs, companies cannot begin projects and growth, and visa holders cannot relocate.' 'It's all intentional,' he told Business Standard. Michael Wildes, managing partner at WILDES & WEINBERG PC, said delays now affect both first-time petitions and extensions. 'Backlogs can significantly delay approvals for both initial petitions and extensions, creating uncertainty for employers and foreign workers alike.' Indian green card applicants could face even longer waits For Indian nationals, the situation is compounded by the existing per-country limits for green cards. In FY2023, about 73 per cent of approved H-1Bs (new and continuing) were to Indian-born workers. Approximately 78,070 received lawful permanent residence (a green card). 'Indian green card applicants, already facing long wait times due to per-country limits, may see even further delays in adjudication of adjustment of status or consular interviews. These delays can affect work authorisation renewals and create added stress for families waiting to reunite,' Wildes told Business Standard. Miller pointed out that those already in the US on other visas such as the H-1B might not feel the pinch immediately. 'In many cases, delays in green card adjudications—whether through adjustment of status or consular processing—do not immediately affect individuals who hold another form of US immigration status or work authorisation.' Kuck noted that consular processing is slowing dramatically, adding, 'The data reflects a troubling slowdown in processing that undermines predictability and transparency in the immigration system.' Blame on staff cuts, enforcement shift, and new policies 'The Trump administration has told USCIS to slow down processing of cases,' Kuck said. 'Predictably, the system has quickly developed massive backlogs. By the end of 2028, we will pine for the days of a functioning legal immigration system because it will effectively not exist by the end of the Trump term.' He attributed the growing backlog to a mix of policy choices: 'Starting with the staff reductions ordered at the USCIS (which is funded by user fees, not tax dollars), followed by seeking 'volunteers' from USCIS to assist ICE in enforcement efforts, which then leads to the administration's effort to find fraud in every application, slowing down processing times.' 'There is zero per cent chance that processing times will speed up at any time under this administration,' Kuck said. Workarounds and suggestions for Indian applicants Some applicants are choosing to pay extra for premium processing, where available. 'Some employers may choose to use premium processing, when available, to help ensure timely adjudication of petitions,' said Miller. However, that may not be enough. 'Unless there is a meaningful increase in staffing, technological efficiency, or congressional support, delays are likely to persist,' said Wildes. He added, 'The backlog is largely driven by a combination of insufficient staffing, outdated processing systems, and inconsistent policy shifts that strain agency resources. Budgetary constraints and rising application volumes compound the problem.' For those still planning to apply for work, study or family-based immigration, Wildes suggested exploring more than one pathway: 'For those with flexibility, exploring multiple pathways—including consular routes or alternate visa categories—can help mitigate risk.' Kuck had a more candid list of dos and don'ts for Indian applicants: • Get a good, experienced lawyer who will tell you the truth • Listen to your lawyer • Be prepared for long delays at USCIS and the consulate • Always bring a lawyer with you to interviews
Miami Herald
4 days ago
- Politics
- Miami Herald
‘A privilege, not a right': Trump administration puts green card holders on notice
Are you traveling abroad with a green card as a guarantee of your re-entry into the United States? Customs and Border Protection (CBP) warns that you may experience difficulty entering under certain circumstances. The Trump Administration's new immigration policies include stricter screening of those entering the country through any port of entry, including those with legal permanent resident status. The CBP published a strongly-worded message on social media Tuesday detailing the current conditions for green card holders returning to the United States. 'Having a criminal record does not make you an honorable legal permanent resident. Possessing a green card is a privilege, not a right,' warns the CBP post. The agency notes that the United States government, 'under the laws of our nation,' has the authority to revoke green cards if laws are violated or abused. 'In addition to immigration removal proceedings, lawful permanent residents who present themselves at a U.S. port of entry with prior criminal convictions may be subject to mandatory detention,' the notice states. The warning is similar to previous messages directed at visa holders, in which federal agencies emphasize that immigration benefits can be revoked, which could lead to deportation. Under the Trump administration, foreigners have been deported even for minor offenses such as driving under the influence (DWI), according to official reports. This informational offensive by the administration includes various federal agencies, including the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which has also issued statements about stricter rules for granting immigration benefits, including permanent residency. The warnings also extend to international travelers entering through the Visa Waiver Program with ESTA electronic authorization, who could also face penalties if they violate the program's conditions.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
6 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
US immigration backlog tops 11 million as Trump slows USCIS processing
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) processed fewer immigration cases and recorded a backlog surge in the second quarter of FY2025 (January–March), according to new data published on the agency's portal. This is the first major dataset released since the Trump administration returned to office. USCIS completed 2.7 million cases during the quarter—down 18 per cent compared to the same period in FY2024, when it had processed 3.3 million cases. From the previous quarter alone, completions dropped by 12 per cent. Meanwhile, pending cases climbed by 1.6 million, pushing the total backlog to a record 11.3 million. The last time pending cases came close to this number was over a decade ago. More than 34,000 cases unopened For the first time in over a year, the agency recorded a non-zero 'frontlog'—cases that are yet to be opened or assigned. As of the end of Q2, over 34,000 such cases were pending at the front of the pipeline. The data showed that this slowdown is already affecting key immigration services. < Form I-129, used for employment-based temporary visas including H-1B and L-1, saw a 25 per cent increase in median processing time quarter-on-quarter, and an 80 per cent rise compared to Q2 FY2024. < Form I-90, used to replace green cards, saw the sharpest jump: from a median wait time of 0.8 months to over 8 months—a 938 per cent increase within just one quarter. < Form I-765, for work permits, had its own crunch. Initial applications pending rose by 87 per cent since Q1. The total number of pending I-765s (including renewals and replacements) crossed 2 million, nearly doubling from under 1.2 million. The net backlog—cases delayed beyond USCIS standards for Form I-765 alone went up by nearly 181 per cent. One category, however, moved faster. The net backlog of I-129s dropped by nearly 75 per cent from the previous quarter, although the number of individuals under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) programme continued to decline, falling by over 8,000. 'We will pine for a functioning system' Charles Kuck, founding partner at immigration law firm Kuck Baxter in Atlanta, said the shift was expected. 'The Trump administration has told USCIS to slow down processing of cases. Predictably, the system has quickly developed massive backlogs. By the end of 2028, we will pine for the days of a functioning legal immigration system because it will effectively not exist by the end of the Trump term,' Kuck told Newsweek. He added that the growth in backlog was '100 per cent predictable' given the new approach. 'Starting with the staff reductions ordered at the USCIS (which is funded by user fees, not tax dollars). Followed by seeking 'volunteers' from USCIS to assist ICE in enforcement efforts. Which then leads to the administration's effort to find fraud in every application, slowing down processing times,' said Kuck.
Hindustan Times
7 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Green Cards in limbo: What to know as replacement wait times surge across the US
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is experiencing a mammoth backlog, and the green card holders are getting the brunt of it. Newly-released information indicates that the processing time of Form I-90 has soared by almost 1,000 per cent between the second quarter of fiscal year 2025. (Representational image) USCIS is struggling with a backlog as I-90 processing times jump to 8.3 months in Q2 FY2025, up from 0.8 months. From 1 January to 31 March 2025, USCIS took an average of 8.3 months to process an I-90 application. Just a few months earlier, between October and December 2024, the median wait time was less than a month, about 0.8 months. ALSO READ| World's most expensive golden visa costs $6.2 million. It is not UK, France, or Italy US immigration system is under immense pressure Immigration courts currently face a record-breaking 3.7 million pending cases. Green card holders are required to file Form I-90 every 10 years or sooner if their cards are lost, damaged, or contain errors. The agency's website currently states that '80 per cent of cases for 'initial issuance or replacements' for I-90 are completed within 21.5 months,' while 10-year renewal cases are completed in '12.5 months' for 80 per cent of applicants. Notably, between January and March 2025, USCIS received over 285,000 I-90 applications. That's a significant increase from the 189,000 submitted in the previous quarter. By the end of March, there were more than 356,000 I-90 applications still pending up from 265,000 just three months earlier. This isn't the first time USCIS has struggled with fluctuating processing times. In FY2024, the agency had dramatically improved processing, bringing the average down to 1.1 months from 9.1 months in 2023. In 2022, the average was 1.2 months, while it stood at 5.2 months in 2021. Interestingly, USCIS announced in September 2024 that green cards would remain valid for 36 months beyond the listed expiration date for lawful permanent residents who had filed for renewal. ALSO READ| Marrying for Green Card? Here's what USCIS warns could happen 'These receipt notices can be presented with an expired Green Card as evidence of continued status and employment authorization. This extension is expected to help applicants who experience longer processing times, because they will receive proof of lawful permanent resident status as they await their renewed Green Card,' USCIS noted.
