Federal immigration appeals are experiencing unprecedented delays, with cases now taking 2-4 years instead of the previous 12-18 months. These delays are caused by massive backlogs, staffing shortages, and increasingly complex cases. The extended timelines create real consequences including work authorization issues, prolonged family separation, and housing instability. Traditional appeal strategies need updating to account for these delays, requiring complete preparation, concurrent filings, and realistic timeline planning. While delays are frustrating, appeals still make sense for cases involving clear legal errors or serious harm. Success requires understanding the new reality and planning accordingly.