Some @MigrationPolicy analysis ahead of what's likely to be a blockbuster @USCIS hearing today...

- At the end of FY 2017, USCIS had $790 in cash reserves
- In November 2019, USCIS predicted it would end FY 2020 with a $1.5 billion deficit

A $2.3 billion loss in 3 years...

Questions abound about the accuracy of that deficit prediction, but if it is right, where did the money go?

Over the past few years this fee-funded agency has experienced a historic reduction in applications, much of which has been tied to the admin's immigration priorities

And at the same time @USCIS's costs have risen significantly, with an emphasis placed on detecting fraud & vetting.

From FY 16 to FY 20:
- Anti-fraud costs more than doubled
- Vetting nearly tripled

More: https://www.migrationpolicy.org/news/uscis-severe-budget-shortfall

As a result, @USCIS is planning a furlough of 70% of its staff, which would have disastrous consequences for the already suffering U.S. immigration system.

MPI estimates that for each month the furlough lasts, 75,000 applications for immigration benefits will not be processed.

The @USCIS furlough would add to the already significant backlog of 5.7 million applications.

And have a dire effect on foreign nationals already in the US, delaying their ability to obtain work authorization, gain permanent residence, or finally attain citizenship.

The furlough could also prevent those with nonimmigrant visas from being able to extend or change their lawful stay, thus falling out of status and becoming vulnerable to deportation.

More: https://www.migrationpolicy.org/article/impending-uscis-furloughs-will-contribute-historic-drop-us-immigration-levels