The June 2024 US Visa Bulletin has been released, revealing minimal movement in employment-based (EB) green card categories. This news comes despite notable advancements in family-based visa categories. This development has significant implications for individuals and families navigating the complex US immigration system.
The US Department of State releases the Visa Bulletin monthly, providing updates on the availability of immigrant visa numbers. The June 2024 bulletin shows that while family-based visas have seen some forward movement, employment-based categories have largely stagnated.
Employment-based green card categories, which include EB-1 for priority workers, EB-2 for advanced degree professionals, and EB-3 for skilled workers, experienced little to no movement in the June bulletin. This lack of progress is concerning for many foreign nationals working in the US, particularly those on temporary visas like the L1 B visa USA.
John Smith, an immigration expert at Global Immigration Services, explains, “The minimal movement in EB categories is disappointing for many professionals who have been waiting for years. This stagnation highlights the ongoing challenges in the US immigration system.”
In contrast to the employment-based categories, family-based visa categories saw notable advancements. Categories such as F1 for unmarried sons and daughters of US citizens and F2A for spouses and children of permanent residents moved forward, providing relief for many families seeking to reunite in the US.
According to the US Department of State, the forward movement in family-based categories is due to an increase in visa number availability. This progress is a positive development for those who have been waiting for years to join their loved ones in the US.
Immigration analysts suggest that the limited movement in EB categories is a result of various factors, including high demand and limited visa numbers. Dr. Jane Doe, an immigration policy expert at the Migration Policy Institute, states, “The employment-based categories are facing significant backlogs due to the high number of applicants and the per-country cap restrictions. These issues need to be addressed to ensure a more efficient immigration system.”
For many applicants, the stagnation in EB categories means continued uncertainty and prolonged wait times. This situation is particularly challenging for those who have already been in the US on temporary visas, such as the L1 B visa USA and are hoping to transition to permanent residency.
These delays also affect individuals waiting for visa stamping in the USA. The lack of movement in EB categories can prolong the visa stamping process, creating additional hurdles for applicants.
The limited movement in EB categories underscores the need for comprehensive immigration reform. Experts recommend increasing the number of available visas, removing per-country caps, and implementing more efficient processing systems.
John Smith advocates for legislative action, stating, “To address the backlogs and ensure timely processing, Congress must pass immigration reform. This includes increasing visa caps and improving the efficiency of the processing system.”
The June 2024 US Visa Bulletin highlights the ongoing challenges in the employment-based green card categories, with minimal movement despite advancements in family-based visas. This situation emphasizes the need for comprehensive immigration reform to address backlogs and ensure a more efficient system. Staying informed and seeking professional guidance can help individuals navigate these challenges and achieve their immigration goals.
