US taking steps to end green card backlog: White House

Addressing concerns of Indian Americans stuck in endless green card backlog, the White House says the US is taking steps to improve the H-1B visa process and end backlogs for lawful permanent residents who are eligible to become US citizens.

“So, one of the steps — if we look at H1-B visa process, we have taken action to improve that: end the process and end backlogs for lawful permanent residents who are eligible to become US citizens,” White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters.

“Just last month, for example, as a part of our efforts to strengthen the integrity of our immigration system and reduce potential for fraud, DHS published a final rule relating to H1-B visas,” she said in response to a question. “So, the changes promote fairer and more equitable outcomes.”

RELATED: Indian American lawmakers call for immigration reform to reduce green card backlog (December 21, 2022)

“And so, we will continue our work to improve the system within our authorities. And that has certainly been a priority,” Jean-Pierre said when told that many groups, mostly Indian Americans feel that President Joe Biden is not as serious about legal immigration systems as he is on illegal immigration.

“Obviously, I would refer you to US Citizens and Immigration Services for any specifics on the actions that we have taken” she said. “But we take that very seriously. And we’re continuing to do everything that we can to improve the visas process.”

A recent Cato Institute study found that only 3% of green card applicants are expected to obtain permanent residence in the fiscal year 2024. The backlog currently stands at about 34.7 million applications underscoring the magnitude of the problem.

Meanwhile, on Feb 28, 2024, USCIS launched myUSCIS organizational accounts that will allow multiple people within an organization, as well as their legal representatives, to collaborate on and prepare H-1B registrations, H-1B petitions, and any associated Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service.

A new organizational account is required to participate in the H-1B Electronic Registration Process starting in March 2024.

EAGLE Act, a game changer for green card backlogs? (June 6, 2021)

The immigration agency said it was working expeditiously to address any technical issues that may arise for legal representatives whose accounts migrated when they logged into their online account on or after Feb 14, 2024, including impacts on cases other than H-1B filings.

USICS advised those who previously experienced issues upon logging in to their online account after migration, to log back in to see if their issues have been resolved by its ongoing technical fixes.

The initial registration period for the FY 2025 H-1B cap will open at noon Eastern on March 6, 2024, and run through noon Eastern on March 22, 2024.

During this period, prospective petitioners and their representatives, if applicable, must use a USCIS online account to register each beneficiary electronically for the selection process and pay the associated registration fee for each beneficiary.

Starting with the FY 2025 initial registration period, USCIS will require registrants to provide valid passport information or valid travel document information for each beneficiary.

The passport or travel document provided must be the one the beneficiary, if or when abroad, intends to use to enter the United States if issued an H-1B visa. Each beneficiary must only be registered under one passport or travel document.

In March USCIS will launch online filing of Form I-129 and associated Form I-907 for non-cap H-1B petitions. On April 1, USCIS will begin accepting online filing for H-1B cap petitions and associated Forms I-907 for petitioners whose registrations have been selected.

To help guide organizations and legal representatives through the new process, USCIS launched its Tech Talks session in February 2024. During these sessions, individuals can ask questions about the organizational accounts and online filing of Form I-129 for H-1B petitions.

USCIS encourages all individuals involved in the H-1B registration and petition filing process to attend these sessions. Additional information and dates are available on the Upcoming National Engagements page.