It currently is taking the Department of State over a year and sometimes more than two years to process certain types of applications for family related visas.  Imagine having to wait that long to be united with your wife or husband, stepchild or fiancé while your application hangs in limbo.  There is little or no communication, no indication of how long before you will receive a response only an email indicating that your application has been received. Tens of thousands of peoples lives are suspended, unable to plan their future, thanks.  We petitioners want the Department of State to know that this is not an acceptable timeline and we want them to act now to shorten the window.