The Trump administration's immigration offices have created an unprecedented backlog of 7.5 million applications for citizenship, green cards, and work permits. When factoring in asylum and humanitarian requests, the total backlog exceeds 12.1 million individuals. This extensive delay leaves millions in legal limbo, vulnerable to arrest and deportation, even if they have followed all legal procedures. Officials cite increased vetting and workforce reductions as causes, while critics argue it's a deliberate strategy to increase deportations. This slowdown allegedly makes immigrants vulnerable to deportation by increasing the pool of individuals ICE can target. People with pending applications, including those who entered legally, are being arrested. Even refugees face detention while their cases are processed, a shift from prior practices. A USCIS spokesperson stated the agency is committed to reducing backlogs through a data-driven approach using new technology. However, the large backlog and paused cases are bringing individuals who wouldn't normally be priorities to ICE's attention. Over the past two years, the number of people waiting for case decisions has significantly increased. Millions have been waiting for over six months, and there is also a backlog of unopened applications. Processing times for citizenship applications have doubled, and Cubans seeking permanent residency face extended wait times. "Dreamers" renewing work authorization are also experiencing significant delays. Critics argue that individuals who have followed the rules are suffering due to these processing delays.