Wait for US Residency Soars Over 18 Month Span

The time to approve green cards and formal travel documents has quadrupled in the US as a result of September 11. The main reason: thousands of personnel who formerly processed applications are now being used for security checks. As a result, a document that once took two months to process now takes seven. While the Bush administration has promised to cut down the wait time, results have been few. Meanwhile, one Homeland Security official acknowledges the delays but will not apologize for the inconvenience, citing the discovery of individuals who pose a threat to the US as sufficient reason. American businesses are concerned because the current situation hinders their ability to attract the best talent. Might the US, which normally prides itself on attracting international talent, be shooting itself in the foot? –YaleGlobal