A report from Pew Research shows the number of U.S. immigrants granted green cards returned to pre-pandemic levels in the July to September 2021 time frame, the final quarter of the fiscal year for the U.S. government. Roughly 282,000 individuals were issued green cards in that time frame. This is the highest of any quarter since April to June 2017. During the pandemic, the issuance of green cards fell to a low of 79,000 in a quarter in mid-2020.

Green cards issued to new arrivals rebounded but did not reach pre-pandemic levels. The issuance of green cards through the adjustment of status for individuals already in the U.S. showed the highest increase. During the pandemic, newly arrived immigrants applying for a green card fell more sharply than immigrants on a temporary visa already in the U.S.

At the start of the pandemic, the period April to June 2020, only 19,000 green cards were issued to new U.S. immigrant arrivals. On average, 134,000 new U.S. immigrant green cards are issued each quarter. For immigrants on temporary visas already in the U.S., the fall was not as drastic. Roughly 60,000 green cards were issued through the adjustment of status during the lowest point of the pandemic. The quarterly average was 141,000 prior to the pandemic. The issuance of 177,000 green cards through adjustment of status, completed in the July to September 2021 time frame, is the highest number granted since at least fiscal 2016. To learn more about green card issuance and other immigration trends, read the Pew Research report.

If you have questions about your adjustment of status, a new arrival visa, or any other immigration-related issue, contact us at ILBSG. Our extensive experience and expertise in immigration ensure you get the right advice.

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