Waiting in Immigration Limbo: The Federal Court Split over Suits to Compel Action on Stalled Adjustment of Status Applications

Authors

Lauren E. Sasser

Keywords

adjustment of status, immigration, delayed applications, citizenship and immigration services

Abstract

This Note explores the conflict surrounding federal courts' authority to hear injunctive suits from adjustment of status applicants demanding U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services action on significantly delayed applications. The conflict turns on whether the agency has a duty to adjudicate applications properly before it, whether it must do so in a reasonable time, and whether any statutes preclude jurisdiction. The Note argues that the agency has a duty to adjudicate applications properly before it in a reasonable time. When it violates that duty, applicants should have legal recourse in all jurisdictions.

Recommended Citation

Lauren E. Sasser, Waiting in Immigration Limbo: The Federal Court Split over Suits to Compel Action on Stalled Adjustment of Status Applications, 76 Fordham L. Rev. 2511 (2008).
Available at: https://ir.lawnet.fordham.edu/flr/vol76/iss5/7