The reasons for the delay in process are the total of of a couple of things. First since 9-11 the services has had more pressing things
that needs to be addressed. Unfortunately, that put all the law biding applicants on a lengthy delay. The agencies had limited resources from the beginning and now those resources have had to be directed to other areas. Next, because INS took a great deal of flack over visas being granted to some of he know terrorist AFTER 9-11, the service is less inclined to do a fast job merely to get applicants through the process. They are verifying the information and doing a
more thorough background on all applications.

It is my belief that the only reason INS is encouraging all the eligible applicants to apply for the life legalizations (remember it is actually for more restrictive than the original law provided) is that when LIFE was original enacted, it had a very short period to
apply and now if the service can show that all those that did apply have been or in the process of being granted approval then the need for a new LIFE ACT will not be regard.