I’ve recently encountered some very concerning cases involving American citizens who are sponsoring their immediate family members in Russia for green cards. It seems that due to their connections with American family members, these Russian relatives are required to register with the Russian government as “individuals associated with foreign agents.” This registration has led to numerous problems and dangers for their families in Russia. Consequently, they are looking for ways to overcome the unreasonable delays in processing their immigration applications. This onerous foreign agent registry requirement could serve as strong evidence to support mandamus relief by strengthening the fifth TRAC factor, as these delays are causing genuine hardships. Mandamus lawsuits could cut the processing time on the petitions and therefore the risk to the Russian relatives.

I’m wondering if anyone else has come across cases where Russian relatives of American citizens are being compelled to join a foreign agent registry?