asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to the considerable delays in the issue of green cards to those who have been issued with Donnelly visas; and whether he will raise the matter with the US authorities to ensure that a solution is found to this problem.
Written Answers - US Green Cards.
75.
I understand that holders of US immigrant visas including the so-called Donnelly visas are advised by the US authorities to apply for green cards, also known as alien registration cards, on their arrival in the US. Such applications take on average about six to eight weeks to process from the date of application. Applications are dealt with in strict order of receipt.
In the meantime, applicants have their passport endorsed so that they can reside and work in the US. This also entitles them to a social security number and to travel abroad. Such endorsements have a validity of three months. In the exceptional cases where the delay exceeds three months, the INS renew the endorsement to stay on the applicant's passport.
Our missions in the US receive occasional queries on the subject. They advise callers of the procedure to be followed and suggest that if green cards are not received before the three month deadline is reached the applicant should reapply in person to the INS.