AI accelerates nationality, but appointments collapse

The Ministry of Justice has automated nationality by residence. Watch out, it's no joke: according to what they said at the I Immigration Congress of Icogam, an entire file can be resolved in three to six months. Before, you used to wait up to five years. The system cross-references databases and, if everything is in order, it issues a resolution proposal without anyone lifting a finger. They have already carried out more than 23 million automated actions.

But that progress crashes into reality. The Ombudsman is overwhelmed with complaints. Getting a prior appointment —I mean, the first step to start— has become almost an insurmountable wall. Digitization has streamlined the files, yes, but access to the system has not fixed it. Rather, it has made it worse for many.

Administrative managers and the Spanish Bar Association have raised the alarm. And for good reason: in-person assistance cannot disappear. There are people without a computer, without internet, or with no idea how to navigate online. The lack of appointments has also created a black market: some people sell appointments or fake documents taking advantage of desperation.

The congress made one thing very clear: artificial intelligence is going like a shot inside the offices, but you, the citizen, remain trapped outside. The collapse of the Immigration offices cannot be fixed with algorithms. A system that mixes technology with real human attention is needed.

If you are trying to renew your card or request nationality, you know what I'm talking about. The screens saying 'no appointments available' are repeated every day. And meanwhile, legal deadlines are broken time and again. You already know it.

If you have difficulties with your appointment or procedure, write to us on Telegram: https://t.me/cita_extranjeria