In June 2020, USCIS reduced its capacity to print secure documents, such as Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) Cards (commonly known as Green Cards) and employment authorization document (EAD) cards, after it ended a contract with an outside company responsible for printing these cards. USCIS was supposed to replace the contractors with federal employees, however the dire financial situation of USCIS has prevented this from happening.
USCIS expects backlogs for printing Green Cards and EADs will continue for the foreseeable future. If the furlough of USCIS employees actually happens in early August, most likely these card production backlogs will significantly increase.
The Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman (Ombudsman's Office) is helping those whose applications have been approved but whose cards have not yet been printed. What they are doing is sending weekly spreadsheets to USCIS to verify card requests are in line to be processed. If your Green Card or EAD card has been approved but you have not yet received your card, you can submit a request for case assistance with the Ombudsman by clicking here.
By: KMH