When employment authorization documents (EADs) or advance parole (AP) travel documents are delayed, the consequences for immigrants can be severe — from losing a job to missing critical family moments abroad. Fortunately, mandamus lawsuits have proven to be a powerful and effective tool to resolve these delays quickly and successfully.

Why Mandamus Lawsuits Work So Well for EAD and AP Delays

There are a few key reasons why mandamus actions are particularly successful — and often resolved faster — when it comes to delayed EADs and travel documents:

1. Adjudicating EADs and APs Takes Minimal Time for USCIS
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) typically spends about 12 minutes reviewing an EAD and around 15 minutes reviewing a travel document. Because adjudicating both takes less than 30 minutes, it is often far easier for USCIS to simply process the application than to spend dozens of hours defending a lawsuit in federal court. As a result, once a mandamus complaint is filed, the agency frequently chooses to resolve the matter quickly rather than litigate.

2. The Human Impact of These Delays Strengthens Cases
Most individuals who file mandamus actions are not just impatient — they are facing serious hardship:

• Losing a job or being unable to accept a new one because work authorization expired
• Employers losing key employees due to the delay
• Families struggling financially without income
• Immigrants missing the chance to visit sick or elderly loved ones abroad due to delayed travel documents

Judges and government attorneys are often sympathetic to these real-life consequences, which can further motivate quick resolution of the case.

Real-Life Impact: Fast Results and Life-Changing Outcomes

Mandamus lawsuits related to EAD and AP delays are among the most impactful types of immigration litigation. In many cases, applicants see their cases resolved within weeks or even days after filing. While no result is guaranteed, the potential to quickly remove the uncertainty surrounding work authorization or travel permissions makes this a highly valuable legal strategy.

Resolving these issues swiftly can transform a person’s life — restoring their ability to work, travel, support their family, and plan their future with confidence.

If your EAD or advance parole application has been pending for an unreasonable amount of time, Immigrant Lawyer can help you evaluate whether a mandamus lawsuit is right for you. Contact us at +1 (972) 333 2121 to discuss your options.