# Continued Reliance on Manual Processing Slowed USCIS’ Benefits Delivery During the COVID-19 Pandemic
> **Audit** by Department of Homeland Security OIG · 2021-11-03
> *About: Department of Homeland Security*
## Report
- **Title:** Continued Reliance on Manual Processing Slowed USCIS’ Benefits Delivery During the COVID-19 Pandemic
- **Submitting OIG:** Department of Homeland Security OIG
- **Component agency:** Department of Homeland Security
- **Type:** Audit
- **Publication date:** 2021-11-03

## Summary

The objective was to determine the effectiveness of USCIS’ technology systems to provide timely and accurate electronic processing of immigration and naturalization benefit requests while field offices, asylum offices, and application support centers were closed or operating on a reduced workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic.


## Recommendations

- **Rec 1** (Open): Update the USCIS pandemic plan to incorporate additional technology guidance and lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- **Rec 1** (Open): Update the USCIS pandemic plan to incorporate additional technology guidance and lessons learned during the COVID-19pandemic.
- **Rec 2** (Closed): Develop an updated strategy for digitizing all benefits work and tracking the outcome of improving case processing times, including a detailed funding plan, in accordance with the Emergency Stopgap USCIS Stabilization Act.
## Source
- [oversight.gov report page](https://www.oversight.gov/reports/audit/continued-reliance-manual-processing-slowed-uscis-benefits-delivery-during-covid-19)
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