Despite Record Backlogs, USCIS Personnel Asked to Help ICE

Even though the backlog of applications pending before USCIS is at record numbers, so much so that it has spawned Congressional committee hearings and an investigation by the U.S. Government Accountability Office, USCIS Acting-Director Ken Cuccinelli has asked USCIS personnel to volunteer in support of ICE, the enforcement arm of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.  Individuals within USCIS have noted a rift between career officials and acting leadership over priorities, with leadership being mostly concerned with immigration enforcement rather than the processing of immigration benefits applications. Unfortunately, this is just a sign of the times under the Trump Administration, but at least the issue is finally getting the spotlight it deserves.