Introduction
In this article, we will discuss a recent letter sent by a group of 56 U.S. Representatives to the Biden Administration, addressing concerns about the current U.S. Visa Bulletin system. This letter aims to advocate for changes that could alleviate the backlogs in the system and provide more opportunities for immigrants, especially those in the STEM sectors and other fields. The proposed changes center around making all employment-based visas current on October 1st, 2023, the start of the new fiscal year. We will delve into the key points of the letter and examine the potential impact of these changes on the U.S. immigration landscape.
Background: The Challenge of Backlogs in the Visa Bulletin System
Before diving into the specifics of the letter, it is essential to understand the challenges posed by the backlogs in the Visa Bulletin system. The Visa Bulletin is a monthly publication that provides information on the availability of immigrant visa numbers, based on various categories and countries of chargeability. The limited number of green cards issued each fiscal year has led to substantial backlogs, particularly in the adjustment of status process.
As the U.S. government allocates only 140,000 employment-based green cards annually, the demand often surpasses the available numbers. This leads to lengthy waiting periods for many individuals seeking to adjust their status and become lawful permanent residents. The situation has created uncertainty and frustration for those waiting in line for their green cards.
The Letter Addressed to Secretary Mayorkas and Secretary Blinken
The letter, authored by Illinois Democratic U.S. Congressman Krishnamoorthi and signed by 55 other bipartisan representatives, urges action from the Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security. The main points of the letter are as follows:
- Acknowledging the Contributions of Immigrants: The letter emphasizes the importance of immigrants, especially those in STEM sectors, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and other talent-driven fields, in bolstering the U.S. competitiveness. It stresses that the current immigration system’s backlog is making it nearly impossible for these individuals to remain in the United States.
- Proposed Changes to the Visa Bulletin System: The group of representatives calls for a significant change in the Visa Bulletin system. Specifically, they request that all employment-based visas be made current on October 1st, 2023, the first day of the new fiscal year. This would allow eligible applicants with approved Form I-140 petitions to submit Form I-485 applications for adjustment of status during the entire month of October.
- Importance of Allocating Green Cards Effectively: The letter highlights that on the first day of the fiscal year, none of the available 140,000 employment-based green cards have been allocated. By allowing applicants to file their adjustment of status applications during October, the government can gauge the number of applicants accurately and ensure that all available green cards are efficiently allocated.
- Historical Context and Precedent: The representatives refer to a precedent set in July 2007 when all Visa Bulletin dates were marked as current. This step was taken to assess the interest in green cards. While it has not been used since, the current situation necessitates such extraordinary measures.
- Unclear Statistics: The letter points out the lack of credible statistics regarding the number of individuals waiting for employment-based green cards. Some applicants may have left the country or lost their jobs, creating an unclear picture of the actual demand.
Potential Implications of the Proposed Changes
While the proposed changes aim to address the backlog and provide relief to immigrants waiting for green cards, there are considerations to be made regarding their implementation:
- Administrative Challenges: Allowing applicants to file for adjustment of status in October could potentially create an influx of applications. The government would need to allocate adequate resources to process these applications efficiently without causing further administrative challenges.
- Temporary Benefits: Permitting applicants to file for adjustment of status, even when there are no available green cards, would allow them to access certain temporary benefits, such as employment authorization and travel documents. This could offer some relief to those waiting in the queue.
- Impact on the Immigration Landscape: If the proposed changes are implemented, it could lead to a clearer understanding of the demand for green cards. Additionally, it might create more certainty for immigrants planning their futures in the United States.
- Government Response: Whether the proposed changes will be accepted and acted upon by the Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security remains uncertain. The complexity of the U.S. immigration system makes it challenging to predict the government’s response.
Conclusion
The letter sent by 56 U.S. Representatives highlights the urgent need for reform in the Visa Bulletin system. Backlogs in the adjustment of status process have led to considerable uncertainty and hardships for many immigrants, including those in critical sectors. The proposed changes to make all employment-based visas current on October 1st, 2023, could potentially offer a solution to the existing challenges.
While the letter presents a compelling case for reform, its implementation and potential impacts remain subject to the government’s decision-making process. Nonetheless, it sheds light on the importance of addressing immigration matters comprehensively to enable talented individuals to contribute to the United States effectively.
It is crucial to stay informed about the ongoing developments in U.S. immigration policies, especially if you are considering self-petitioning or sponsoring your own green card. Seeking professional advice and utilizing reliable resources can help you navigate the complexities of the immigration process successfully.
For example, if you are interested on EB-1A, you are in the right website and should start by reading about the requirements here, and if you are interested on EB2 NIW instead, check out my other site on that green card category.