The current U.S. visa process, especially for fiancé and marriage visas, has become excessively lengthy and burdensome. Many applicants who have no criminal history and who have diligently submitted all required paperwork find themselves waiting over a year, often just to receive initial feedback. While it’s essential for the U.S. to conduct thorough security checks, the existing wait times for low-risk applicants place an unnecessary strain on individuals who have chosen to pursue a legal path to residency.
It’s particularly unfair that individuals who are committed to following legal pathways for entry face significant obstacles, while others circumvent the system. Those who apply for fiancé and marriage visas are often forced to endure long, uncertain waits, despite their willingness to adhere to all legal requirements and contribute to society. Meanwhile, the resources needed to expedite their cases are often strained by the broader challenges of immigration. This disparity places an unnecessary burden on people who genuinely want to do things the right way, leaving them separated from loved ones while they struggle through a complicated and prolonged process.
Delays in the visa process can severely impact applicants and their families, keeping loved ones apart and creating instability. In many cases, the extended processing time feels disproportionate to the actual risks involved, particularly when applicants are fully compliant with requirements and demonstrate a clear legal intention. The lengthy wait also discourages others from pursuing legal immigration avenues, which can create further systemic issues.
To address this, the U.S. government could implement more efficient screening methods that still uphold national security but expedite cases for low-risk applicants. For instance, additional resources could be dedicated to processing these applications, while streamlined background checks could fast-track cases without compromising safety. This approach would create a fairer, more humane system that respects both security needs and the individuals who seek to join their loved ones legally in the United States.