The US Immigrant Population Is Surging At An Incredible Rate
More immigrants are becoming citizens than ever before. This is good news for anyone who plans to become a citizen in the near future, as it indicates that the US government is processing green card applications at a fast rate. Wait times may be lower than in previous years, and the statistics show that (at least on paper) it is easier to become a US citizen today. But despite these encouraging statistics, it is still important to get help from a qualified immigration lawyer for best results.
US Immigration Levels Officially Rebound to Pre-Pandemic Levels
On December 14th, it was reported that the rate of immigration in the United States had finally returned to pre-pandemic levels. CBS reported that half a million permanent visas were issued to immigrants in 2022 alone, representing a major rebound after Covid-19 limited global travel and processing times at US consulates. This increase represents a staggering 74% jump compared to 2021. This surge included 220,000 employment-based green cards issued by the USCIS and 55,000 employment based visas issued by the State Department. A representative from the State Department said recently:
“Our goal remains to make visa processing better than it was pre-pandemic, not just to get back to a pre-pandemic level. We bounced back from this situation faster than we thought we could.”
However, there is still a considerable backlog for immigrant visa applicants, with approximately 400,000 individuals waiting to be interviewed at US consulates. Over 60,000 of these individuals are still waiting despite applying prior to the pandemic.
Surge of Asylum Seekers Reported in El Paso
On December 13th, it was reported that a surge of Asylum seekers had crossed the US-Mexico border in El Paso. Almost 1,000 people crossed the border on a single night in El Paso. Many of these individuals were reportedly from Nicaragua. This brings the total number of “encounters” up to 2.4 million within 2022. Many politicians in Texas see this as a serious challenge. It also indicates that more people than ever before are trying to gain entry into the United States, and some of these people are willing to cross the border without going through the proper channels.
New Records Set for Naturalized US Citizens
Also in December of 2022, it was reported that almost one million immigrant adults were naturalized as American citizens within 2022. This represents the third-highest naturalization rate in US history.
Where Can I Find a Qualified Immigration Attorney in Palm Beach County?
If you’ve been searching for a qualified, experienced Palm Beach County immigration attorney, look no further than Devore Law Group. Over the years, we have helped numerous immigrants strive for the best possible results. Whether you are trying to work temporarily in the United States or obtain full citizenship, we can guide you towards a positive outcome in a confident, efficient manner. Book your consultation today to immediately get started.
Sources:
cbsnews.com/news/immigration-us-visa-approvals-rebound-covid-19-pandemic/
pbs.org/newshour/show/u-s-immigration-officials-face-surge-of-asylum-seekers-near-el-paso
cbsnews.com/news/immigration-us-citizens-naturalizations-2022/
