The reported failure of USCIS to renew its contract with an outside vendor in June, because it planned to bring all printing of Green Cards in-house, may be the reason foreign nationals who have managed to make it through the arduous permanent residency process are not receiving their “Green Cards.”

USCIS has wide-ranging budget issues and is talking about furloughing 75% of its workforce. Under these circumstances and the impact of COVID-19, the two Green Card printing facilities in the U.S. cannot keep up with demand. The facility in Kentucky reportedly has been closed since late-June and the Missouri facility is operating only at reduced capacity. This will likely only get worse if the furloughs go into effect in late-July or early-August.

Understandably, USCIS is apparently flooded with calls from approved applicants asking about delays in the receipt of Green Cards. Individuals need these cards to travel or to prove their employment eligibility. In the past, those with urgent needs could get stamps in their passports to temporarily serve their purposes. Due to COVID-19 and limited operations at Field Offices, getting appointments for the purpose of “stamping” can be challenging.

The Trump Administration has been issuing regulations and proclamations restricting grants of permanent residence. This delay in production is another factor slowing and curtailing legal immigration to the United States.