Against the backdrop of constantly evolving immigration policies, the April 2024 Green Card bulletin has drawn significant attention, revealing uneven progress across family-based and employment-based visa categories. The most concerning development comes from the EB-5 investment visa program, which has experienced a dramatic setback.
Family-Based Visa Categories
For applicants born in mainland China, the Final Action Dates (Table A) show varying degrees of movement:
- F1 (Unmarried adult children of U.S. citizens): Advanced 114 days
- F2A (Spouses and minor children of permanent residents): No movement
- F2B (Unmarried adult children of permanent residents, 21+): Advanced 61 days
- F3 (Married children of U.S. citizens): Significant progress with 274 days forward movement
- F4 (Siblings of adult U.S. citizens): No movement
For the Dates for Filing (Table B), processing remained relatively stable. While F1 showed no progress, F2A advanced 92 days. F4 applications moved forward by 31 days, suggesting potential for separate processing.
Employment-Based Visa Categories
The employment-based categories presented a mixed picture in Final Action Dates:
- EB-1 (Priority workers): No movement
- EB-2 (Advanced degree professionals): Advanced 146 days
- EB-3 (Skilled workers): Advanced 92 days (skilled) and 90 days (unskilled)
- EB-4 (Special immigrants): No movement
- EB-5 (Investors): Suffered a staggering 905-day regression
Notably, certain EB-5 projects—including rural projects, high-unemployment area projects, and infrastructure projects—remain current with available visa numbers.
For the Dates for Filing (Table B), EB-1 and EB-4 categories saw no movement, while EB-2 advanced 31 days. EB-3 categories remained unchanged, and EB-5 showed no progress, though rural and certain designated projects continue to have available numbers.
Policy Implications
These developments reflect the dynamic nature of U.S. immigration policy, particularly in the investment visa sector. The dramatic regression in EB-5 processing times has sparked intense discussion within the immigration community. Applicants are advised to monitor policy changes closely and adjust their strategies accordingly.
The April 2024 bulletin presents a complex landscape for green card applicants, with the EB-5 program's significant setback emerging as the most pressing concern. As policy continues to evolve, prospective immigrants must stay informed to navigate the increasingly challenging path to permanent residency.