As of April 2024, the green card interview backlog in the U.S. remains concerning, with 421,358 pending interviews, a slight decrease from the 436,700 in March. This decrease of only 3.5% highlights that the efforts to address the backlog are still moving too slowly, with the total number of scheduled interviews increasing by a mere 0.4% (from 32,317 in March to 32,439 in April). This pace is much slower than the 18% increase seen from February to March, signaling that the backlog will continue to be a challenge for years to come.
Despite ongoing efforts, the backlog is not expected to return to pre-COVID levels anytime soon. It could take ten or more years to clear the current backlog if the pace of processing doesn’t significantly improve. The pandemic continues to affect visa processing, especially since the shutdowns of U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide began in March 2020.
For applicants who have recently received their green card interview notice, it is essential to prepare well in advance to ensure a smooth process. For more details, Boundless recommends referring to their guide on what to expect at the interview.
Stay updated by checking the National Visa Center (NVC) reports, as they offer monthly updates on visa processing timelines and changes to the backlog.
Green Card Backlog for Indian and Chinese Nationals: An In-Depth Look
The green card backlog for Indian and Chinese nationals is a pressing issue in the U.S. immigration system, affecting hundreds of thousands of skilled professionals. This backlog is primarily driven by high demand for employment-based green cards and restrictive per-country limits, which disproportionately impact applicants from these two countries.
The Particular Struggles Faced by Applicants from Countries with High Demand
Indian and Chinese nationals represent a significant portion of the employment-based green card applicants. As of late 2023, over 1.2 million Indians and approximately 148,000 Chinese nationals are stuck in the backlog due to the annual cap of 140,000 employment-based green cards, which includes dependents. The 7% per-country limit means that no single country can receive more than 7% of the total green cards issued each year, creating a bottleneck for countries with large applicant pools. This situation leads to wait times that can span decades, with many applicants facing a lifetime wait for their green cards. For instance, experts estimate that without reform, Indian applicants could face an average wait time of 195 years to clear the backlog.
Wait Times for Specific Countries
The backlog’s impact is starkly visible in the wait times for different nationalities. For Indian nationals in the EB-2 category (advanced degrees), the cutoff date remains stagnant at July 15, 2012, while EB-3 (skilled workers) applicants face similarly long delays. In contrast, applicants from countries with fewer applications can often receive their green cards within a few years.This disparity creates frustration among skilled professionals who have contributed significantly to sectors like technology and healthcare but find themselves unable to secure permanent residency.
Possible Solutions to Address Country-Specific Delays
Addressing the green card backlog requires comprehensive immigration reform. Potential solutions include:
- Eliminating Per-Country Caps: Removing or adjusting the 7% cap could allow for a more equitable distribution of green cards among all nationalities.
- Increasing Annual Green Card Quotas: Raising the total number of employment-based green cards available each year would help alleviate the backlog.
- Expediting Processing for Certain Categories: Prioritizing applications from sectors facing labor shortages, such as healthcare and technology, could help meet urgent workforce needs.
How the Green Card Backlog Affects Healthcare and Other Essential Sectors
Special Focus on Healthcare Workers
The delay in green card processing has a particularly acute impact on healthcare workers. Many skilled professionals from India and China work as doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals in the U.S., often filling critical shortages in underserved areas. The backlog means that these healthcare workers may remain in temporary visa status for extended periods, creating uncertainty about their future and ability to provide care. This situation not only affects their personal lives but also puts additional strain on an already overburdened healthcare system.
The Impact on Other Sectors Like Education, Tech, and Hospitality
Beyond healthcare, other sectors such as education, technology, and hospitality also suffer from the backlog.
- Technology Sector: The tech industry relies heavily on foreign talent to drive innovation. Delays in securing permanent residency can lead to companies losing valuable employees or facing challenges in retaining international talent.
- Education Sector: Universities often employ foreign professors and researchers who contribute significantly to academic advancement. The uncertainty surrounding their status can hinder research initiatives and educational programs.
- Hospitality Industry: Many skilled workers in hospitality face similar challenges as they await their green cards, affecting service quality and operational stability.
Stories of Skilled Professionals Stuck in the Backlog
Many skilled professionals share poignant stories about their struggles due to the backlog. For instance:
- Anita, a nurse from India, has been working in a critical care unit for over five years on an H-1B visa. Despite her contributions during the pandemic, she faces uncertainty about her future as she waits years for her green card.
- Raj, a software engineer from China, has been forced to renew his temporary visa multiple times while watching his peers obtain permanent residency. He worries about his family’s future stability in the U.S.
These stories illustrate the human cost of immigration policy inefficiencies.
The Impact of Green Card Delays on Immigrant Mental Health
The emotional toll of being stuck in the green card backlog can be profound:
Emotional and Psychological Effects
Many applicants experience anxiety, stress, and frustration due to prolonged uncertainty about their immigration status. Concerns about job security, family stability, and potential deportation can lead to mental health challenges.
Coping Strategies for Individuals and Families
To cope with these challenges:
- Seek Support Networks: Connecting with community organizations or support groups can provide emotional relief and practical advice.
- Practice Mindfulness: Techniques such as meditation or yoga can help manage stress levels during uncertain times.
- Consult Mental Health Professionals: Speaking with therapists who understand immigration issues can provide valuable coping strategies.
Resources for Support During the Waiting Period
Several organizations offer resources for mental health support:
- Mental Health America: Provides information on finding mental health services.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Offers resources specifically tailored to immigrant communities.
How Law and Visas Can Help?
At Law and Visas, our team of expert immigration consultants is here to make your travel to the US straightforward and successful. Whether you’re applying for a Spouse Visa, Green Card, Visitor Visa, or Study Visa, we handle every step from preparing your application to gathering the required documents.
Our immigration Consultants and Lawyers ensure that your application meets the highest standards, with no details missed. We’ll also keep you informed throughout the process and coordinate with the immigration office or embassy on your behalf.
Law and Visas has a strong record of helping clients secure the visas/permits they need in the US. Call us today at +234 812 5505 986 to learn how we can assist you.
