America’s Prolonged Green Card Wait Is Driving Away CEOs

The United States 🇺🇸 is facing a major challenge with green card processing delays, and the effects are being felt across the country. As of July 19, 2025, the immigration backlog at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has reached a record 11.3 million cases. This update explains what has changed, who is affected, what actions are needed, and what these changes mean for people waiting for a green card, especially CEOs, high-skilled workers, and their employers.

Summary of What Changed

In 2025, green card processing times have grown much longer. The backlog at USCIS is the largest it has ever been. This is due to several reasons:

• Stricter immigration policies: The Trump administration has pushed for tougher enforcement, including more deportations and the possible end of programs like DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) and TPS (Temporary Protected Status).
• Project 2025: This plan includes removing protections for certain groups, making it easier to deport people quickly, and ending some relief programs.
• Increased security checks: More detailed vetting and background checks have slowed down the process.
• Border and asylum changes: New executive orders have made it harder to seek asylum and increased border security.

These changes have made it much harder and slower for people to get a green card, especially those applying through work or family.

Who Is Affected

The current situation affects many groups:

• CEOs and high-skilled workers: Many business leaders and skilled employees are stuck waiting for green cards. This can make it hard for companies to keep their top talent in the United States 🇺🇸.
• Employers: Companies that rely on international workers face uncertainty. They may lose key employees or have to move jobs overseas.
• Families: People applying for family-based green cards are also facing longer waits, which can keep families apart for years.
• Immigrants with pending cases: Anyone with a pending green card, work permit, or visa application is likely to experience delays.
• Undocumented immigrants and asylum seekers: New policies could make it harder for these groups to get legal status or protection.

Effective Dates

Most of these changes are already in effect as of July 2025. Some new policies, like those in Project 2025, are being rolled out in stages. Changes to border and asylum rules have been announced through executive orders and are being enforced now.

Required Actions for Applicants

If you are waiting for a green card or planning to apply, here are the steps you should take:

1. Check Your Case Status Regularly
   • Visit the USCIS Case Status Online page to track your application.
   • Make sure your contact information is up to date with USCIS.
2. Gather and Update Documents
   • Keep all your documents ready, including passports, birth certificates, and any required medical exams.
   • If you need to replace a lost or expired green card, file Form I-90 as soon as possible. Be aware that processing now takes over eight months, up from less than a month in previous years.

1. Monitor the Visa Bulletin
   • Check the U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin each month to see if your priority date is current. This is especially important for employment-based and family-based green card applicants.
2. File the Correct Forms
   • For family-based green cards, start with Form I-130.
   • For employment-based green cards, your employer may need to file Form I-140.
   • When you are eligible to adjust your status, file Form I-485.
3. Prepare for Longer Waits
   • Processing times for many forms have increased:
     • Form I-90 (Green Card Replacement): Now takes over eight months.
     • Form I-129 (Employment Visas): Up 25% from last quarter, and 80% higher than last year.
     • Form I-765 (Work Permits): Backlog has grown by 87%, with over 2 million cases pending.
4. Consult with an Immigration Attorney
   • If you have a complex case or face urgent deadlines, consider speaking with a qualified immigration lawyer. They can help you understand your options and avoid mistakes that could cause further delays.

Implications for Pending Applications

The current backlog and policy changes have several important effects:

• Uncertainty for Workers and Employers
  • CEOs and high-skilled workers may not know when they will get their green card. This can make it hard to plan for the future.
  • Companies may lose valuable employees if they cannot secure green cards in time. Some businesses are considering moving jobs to other countries to keep their talent.
• Family Separation
  • Families waiting for green cards may be separated for years due to the backlog. This can cause emotional and financial stress.
• Economic Impact
  • The United States 🇺🇸 economy depends on skilled workers from around the world. Delays in green card processing can hurt innovation, slow business growth, and make the country less attractive to top talent.
  • As reported by VisaVerge.com, these delays are already causing some CEOs to consider moving their headquarters or key staff to countries with faster immigration systems.

• Increased Risk for Vulnerable Groups
  • New policies may make it easier to deport people or deny them protection. This is especially true for undocumented immigrants and asylum seekers.

Expert Perspectives

Many experts are raising concerns about the current situation:

• Immigration Lawyers
  • Lawyers say that the system needs to be more efficient. They want clearer rules and faster processing to help reduce the backlog.
  • They also warn that mistakes or missing documents can cause even longer delays, so it is important to follow instructions carefully.
• Business Leaders
  • CEOs and business groups argue that the United States 🇺🇸 must make it easier for skilled workers to get green cards. They say that long waits hurt the country’s ability to compete in the global economy.
• Advocacy Groups
  • Groups that support immigrants are worried about the humanitarian impact. They say that new policies could lead to more deportations and less protection for people who need help.

Step-by-Step Green Card Application Process

If you are planning to apply for a green card, here is a simple guide:

1. Check If You Qualify
   • You can apply for a green card through family, work, or other special programs. Each category has its own rules.
2. Collect Your Documents
   • You will need things like your passport, birth certificate, and proof of your relationship or job.
3. File the Right Petition
   • For family-based green cards, use Form I-130.
   • For employment-based green cards, your employer files Form I-140.
4. Wait for Your Priority Date
   • Some categories have a waiting list. You must wait until your priority date is current, which you can check in the Visa Bulletin.
5. Apply for Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing
   • If you are in the United States 🇺🇸, file Form I-485 to adjust your status.
   • If you are outside the country, you will apply at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
6. Attend Your Interview
   • USCIS or the embassy will schedule an interview. Bring all your documents and be prepared to answer questions about your application.

1. Wait for a Decision
   • After your interview, you will receive a decision. If approved, you will get your green card.

What to Do If Your Application Is Delayed

• Stay Informed
  • Use the USCIS Check Case Processing Times tool to see average wait times for your form and location.
• Respond Quickly to Requests
  • If USCIS asks for more information (a Request for Evidence), respond as soon as possible to avoid more delays.
• Renew Work Permits
  • If your work permit is about to expire, file a renewal early using Form I-765.
• Seek Legal Help
  • If your case is stuck for a long time, an attorney may be able to help you request faster processing or resolve problems.

Recent Policy Changes and Their Effects

• Stricter Enforcement
  • The Trump administration’s focus on enforcement means more background checks and longer waits.
  • Programs like DACA and TPS are at risk of ending, which could affect thousands of people.
• Project 2025
  • This plan aims to remove protections for certain groups and make it easier to deport people quickly.
  • It could also end some relief programs, making it harder for people to stay in the United States 🇺🇸 legally.
• Border and Asylum Rules
  • New executive orders have made it harder to seek asylum and increased border security.
  • These changes are already being enforced and could affect people trying to enter the country.

Implications for the Future

• Possible Reforms
  • Lawmakers are discussing ways to fix the backlog and speed up processing. However, political disagreements make it hard to pass new laws.
• Court Challenges
  • Some of the new policies may be challenged in court, which could change how they are enforced.
• Economic Pressure
  • If delays continue, companies may move jobs overseas or invest less in the United States 🇺🇸. This could hurt the economy and reduce job opportunities for everyone.

Official Resources and Where to Get Help

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always use official government websites:

• USCIS Main Page: www.uscis.gov – for forms, case status, and news
• Visa Bulletin: travel.state.gov – for priority dates and visa availability
• Form I-90 (Green Card Replacement): uscis.gov/i-90
• Form I-130 (Family Petition): uscis.gov/i-130
• Form I-140 (Employment Petition): uscis.gov/i-140
• Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status): uscis.gov/i-485
• Form I-765 (Work Permit): uscis.gov/i-765

Key Takeaways and Next Steps

• Expect Longer Waits: Green card processing times are much longer than before. Plan for delays and keep your documents ready.
• Stay Informed: Check official websites for updates and watch for changes in policy.
• Act Quickly: File renewals and respond to USCIS requests as soon as possible.
• Get Help If Needed: If your case is complicated or delayed, talk to an immigration attorney.
• Watch for Policy Changes: New laws or court decisions could change the rules again, so stay alert.

The green card backlog and new immigration policies are creating real challenges for individuals, families, and businesses. By staying informed and prepared, you can better manage the process and reduce the impact of delays. For more detailed guidance and updates, visit the USCIS official website.

Learn Today

USCIS → U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services responsible for processing immigration applications and cases.
Green Card → Official authorization for permanent residence and work rights in the United States.
Project 2025 → Government initiative to enforce stricter immigration policies and remove protections for some groups.
DACA → Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, a program protecting eligible immigrant youth from deportation.
Visa Bulletin → Monthly update by the U.S. Department of State indicating visa availability and priority dates.

This Article in a Nutshell

Green card processing delays hit a record 11.3 million backlog, affecting CEOs, skilled workers, and families nationwide. Stricter policies and Project 2025 worsen wait times. Applicants must track cases, update documents, and prepare for long waits to navigate a challenging immigration system efficiently.
— By VisaVerge.com