Key Green Card Findings from 2022 Report
In 2022, 55% of employment‑based green cards issued in the United States went to family members, according to a recent report from the Cato Institute, a D.C.-based think tank. The study found that more than half of all EB green cards granted that year were designated for family members. The remaining 45% went to skilled workers. This trend has stayed consistent in recent years.
Although Congress set an annual cap of 140,000 employment‑based green cards, the government issued 270,284 in 2022 by using unused green cards from other categories. As a result, nearly 60,000 additional green cards are expected to shift from family‑based to employment‑based categories in 2023.
This approach differs from global norms. Many countries separate family and employment‑based immigration into distinct pathways. In the United States, however, family members draw from the same pool reserved for skilled workers instead of using a separate category.
To increase the number of employment‑based green cards available for skilled workers, the report outlines two possible legislative changes. Congress could exempt family members from the annual cap, or it could establish a separate category for them.
A second option would remove individuals adjusting their status from the employment‑based cap. In 2022, 82% of EB green card recipients already lived legally in the United States and were transitioning from another visa category. Exempting these adjustments would significantly expand the number of highly skilled workers able to immigrate directly from abroad.
Our Firm
If you have questions about employment‑based green cards or need guidance understanding how these trends may affect your immigration options, Margaret Wong & Associates LLC is here to help. Our team welcomes individuals and employers seeking clarity on visa eligibility, documentation, and long‑term immigration planning. We strive to create a supportive environment where your questions are heard and your concerns are addressed with care. To connect with us for legal assistance, please visit our contact page.
