Did you know that thousands of green cards have never been used? That's right! Many people receive their green cards and never end up using them. This may be because they may move to another country or find a different way to become a permanent resident. However, these unused green cards could help ease the backlogs that have delayed people from receiving their permanent residency. Our Washington, D.C. immigration team discusses how recapturing these green cards can significantly impact eliminating delays and unused green cards.
A Relief of Delays
Millions of people are waiting for years, even decades, to receive a green card, despite having their initial applications already approved. Hundreds of thousands of people on employment-based visas (and their families) have been living and working in the U.S. for several years and have been sponsored for permanent residency by their employers. USCIS received 18 percent more applications and petitions despite the pandemic in 2021 than in 2020.
Benefits of the Recapture of Green Cards
By recapturing unused green cards, more permanent residency spots can be freed up for those with approved applications, thereby alleviating the backlogs. This can be done in several ways:
1) Automatically reissuing unused green cards to those already in line waiting for approval;
2) Reallocating the unused green cards to countries with the longest waiting times;
3) Increasing the number of available green cards each year.
These new initiatives could go a long way in helping people receive their permanent residency faster. These steps would help reduce backlogs and ensure that green cards are well-spent in the future.
Law Group International Can Help You Through the Green Card Application Process
The immigration team at Law Group International is here to help you through the green card application process. We understand how overwhelming it can be and will provide guidance along each step. Our experienced attorneys are well-versed in U.S. immigration law and know what it takes to get your permanent residency as fast as possible.
Don't wait any longer. Contact us today to learn more about applying for a green card.