Amazon and Google have halted green card applications for immigrants in the United States for 2024, citing recent tech industry layoffs, including those at Microsoft. This decision adds to the challenges faced by foreign workers, especially in the tech sector. Both companies have paused PERM applications, which are crucial for obtaining permanent labor certification and initiating the green card process. Amazon announced the suspension earlier this year, extending it through 2024, while Google suspended PERM applications in January 2023, coinciding with layoffs.
US Department of State to announce Green Card Lottery winners on May 12. DV-2025 program begins on May 4 at noon (EDT). Applicants advised to keep conformation number till Sept 30, 2025.
US President Joe Biden is doing everything he can to improve the H1B visa process, 'green card' backlog and other issues related to the country's legal immigration system, the White House has said.
Only 3% of green card applicants in the US are expected to get permanent status in FY 2024, leading to a backlog of 34.7 million pending applications. The Green Card Lottery has a declining win rate, and the family-sponsored and employment-based immigration systems face challenges.
The March 2024 Visa Bulletin shows progress in EB-1 India and EB-1 China. The bulletin provides important information about adjustment of status applications and immigrant visa availability. It includes charts for filing visa applications and final action dates for family-sponsored and employment-based preferences.