The Bipartisan Policy Center projects that the US is missing out on $3.9 trillion in GDP gains over 10 years due to worsening green card backlogs. Approximately 7.6 million individuals, primarily new potential immigrants, are stuck in queues for lawful permanent residency. The economic growth would be driven by integrating new immigrants into the labor force and lifting job restrictions on green card seekers already employed in the US. Annual quotas, processing delays, and country-based limits contribute to the backlog, impacting states like California, New York, Florida, Texas, and New Jersey the most. Proposals for state-based visa programs are suggested for more even distribution of economic gains. Various congressional proposals aim to address the issue, emphasizing the need for comprehensive action.
A Nationwide Immigration Practice
