At Tunyan Law, we take great pride in advocating for our clients, especially when they face unnecessary delays and obstacles in their journey to becoming U.S. citizens. One such case underscores our dedication to justice and the successful outcomes we strive to achieve.
Our Client’s Naturalization Journey
Our client, a permanent resident of the United States since November 26, 2016, resided in Los Angeles County, California, and was committed to the American dream. On February 22, 2022, he filed his N-400 application for naturalization, marking the beginning of his path toward citizenship.
The process took a significant step forward on September 29, 2022, when USCIS issued a Request for Applicant to Appear for Interview. The interview was scheduled for November 4, 2022, at a USCIS office in Los Angeles. Our client diligently attended the interview, during which he passed the English and U.S. history and government tests. At the conclusion of the interview, USCIS provided him with Form N-652, stating that while he had successfully passed the required tests, “a decision cannot be made yet about your application.”
Delays Beyond the Statutory Period
Following the November 2022 interview, our client experienced extensive delays. Despite contacting USCIS multiple times between November 4, 2022, and April 10, 2024, he received no resolution. This delay far exceeded the statutory 120-day period within which USCIS is required to adjudicate N-400 applications after the initial interview.
Our Involvement and Legal Action
Our client sought our assistance in May 2024. Recognizing the severity of the delay and the impact on our client’s life, we recommended filing a Mandamus action in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. A Mandamus action compels a government agency to fulfill its legal duties, and in this case, it was a necessary step to ensure that USCIS acted on our client’s naturalization application.
The Outcome: Justice and Citizenship
After several months of litigation, the case was successfully remanded to USCIS. This pivotal development led to the scheduling of our client’s Oath Ceremony on December 12, 2024. On that day, our client proudly took the Oath of Allegiance and became a United States citizen.
Key Takeaways
This case highlights the importance of persistence and skilled legal representation in addressing delays with USCIS. It also serves as a reminder that individuals facing prolonged delays in their immigration process have legal recourse to seek timely resolution.
If you or someone you know is experiencing delays in their immigration process, contact Tunyan Law today. Our experienced team is committed to protecting your rights and helping you achieve your immigration goals.
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