A Year in Review: How 2024 Shaped US Immigration
2024 was a year of significant shifts in U.S. immigration policy, impacting thousands of individuals and families. From streamlined processes to controversial proposals, the key developments in 2024 US immigration news made headlines.
January: Renewal Relief for H1B Holders
An update allowed H1B visa holders to renew their visas domestically, eliminating the need for international travel. This change benefited thousands, reducing stress and logistical challenges for families and employers alike.
February: Progress on Clearing Immigration Backlogs
In February, USCIS shared FY 2023 data revealing the completion of over 10 million immigration cases, leading to a 15% reduction in backlogs—the first significant decrease over a decade. Efforts included innovative technology solutions to streamline processes and enhance customer experience.
Despite this milestone in 2024 immigration news, the remaining backlog underscores the need for continued improvements to address the demand for timely resolutions.
March: Ensuring Fairness in H1B Registrations
March marked the start of the H1B season, and this year brought significant changes. The H-1B registration process emphasized unique beneficiaries, reducing the chance of multiple employer filings. Though the competition remains fierce, this represents a positive shift towards fairness.
April: Increased Fees Sparked Debate
USCIS announced increases in application fees for certain immigration services, which took effect on April 1, 2024.
For those applying for a green card, the I-140 application now costs $715, up from $700. Additionally, the Adjustment of Status bundle rose to $2,330, up from $1,225.
While these changes were intended to support improved processing times and customer service, many applicants raised concerns about the additional financial burden during an already complex process.
May: Layoffs Impacted Immigrant Workers
Mass layoffs in the tech sector and the suspension of green card applications by major companies like Amazon and Google have intensified challenges for foreign workers in 2024.
Amazon paused its PERM filings, a critical step in the green card process, for the entire year, citing internal constraints. Similarly, Google announced it would not resume PERM applications until early 2025. These decisions, compounded by layoffs, have left many foreign workers in uncertain positions, underscoring the increasing complexity of employer-sponsored immigration pathways in the tech industry.
June: Green Card Proposal for Graduates
In June, Trump proposed granting automatic green cards to all U.S. college graduates, including those from junior colleges, which has generated significant debate. Proponents argue that this policy could enhance talent retention, support innovation, and address workforce shortages, particularly in STEM fields. They highlight the potential for foreign graduates to contribute to the economy by filling critical skill gaps and fostering entrepreneurship.
However, critics express concerns about the policy’s broader implications, including potential competition for jobs, the strain on immigration infrastructure, and the challenges of implementing such a sweeping reform.
July: Supreme court overturned Chevron Doctrine
In 2024, the Supreme Court ended the Chevron doctrine, allowing federal courts to independently review federal agency decisions. This change may benefit EB1A applicants by giving courts the ability to review USCIS’s final merit determinations independently when appealing wrongful denials.
August: Victory for H4 Visa Holders
In a major win for immigrant families, a federal appeals court upheld the right to work for H-4 visa holders, ensuring financial stability for thousands of families. This ruling affirms the legality of the Obama-era policy granting work authorization to spouses of H-1B visa holders, offering them the opportunity to contribute to the U.S. workforce.
The decision expands job opportunities for H-1B workers’ spouses, a move widely supported by major tech companies. It ensures long-term economic benefits and helps the U.S. maintain its competitive edge in the global tech industry.
September: Simplified Green Card Renewals
USCIS introduced a change that made life easier for green card holders renewing their cards.
Starting September 10, 2024, USCIS began issuing receipt notices granting a 36-month extension of green card validity to those who properly filed Form I-90 for renewal. Before this, the extension period was only 24 months.
Additionally, if your green card expired while your renewal was being processed, you could use the receipt notice along with your expired card as proof of lawful permanent resident status and work authorization. This update provided green card holders with greater flexibility and peace of mind during the renewal process.
October: USCIS New Policy Guidelines for EB1A
The updated USCIS guidance on EB-1A eligibility introduces new evidentiary standards, broadening the scope for applicants. The changes recognize team awards under the criterion for lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes, and past memberships under the membership criterion.
Additionally, for published material criteria, USCIS has removed the requirement that your published work must “showcase the significance of your contributions.” In the EB-1A artistic exhibitions criteria, exhibitions are no longer limited to artistic works. USCIS now considers non-artistic exhibitions as well, provided strong, comparable evidence is provided.
This policy update aims to improve clarity and transparency for petitioners, helping them submit the necessary evidence to establish the beneficiary’s eligibility.
November: A New Administration and Policy Shifts
In November 2024, former President Donald Trump won the U.S. presidential election, signifying a significant shift in the nation’s political landscape. With his return to office, major changes to immigration policies are anticipated.
Trump has been clear about his intention to reverse Biden’s immigration reforms. Discussions have included plans for additional border wall extensions, stricter enforcement of illegal immigration, and potentially more stringent policies for visa holders.
December: Modernization of H1B Rules
The year concluded with significant updates to both H-1B visa processes and green card application procedures.
The H-1B modernization rule, effective January 17, 2025, introduces important revisions, including a easier visa extensions. redefined specialty occupation and extended cap-gap protections for F-1 students.
Additionally, USCIS announced updates to the Form I-485 process. Starting February 10, 2025, USCIS will only accept the 10/24/24 edition of Form I-485, and older editions will be rejected. These updates streamline the medical examination submission, simplify the Affidavit of Support exemption process, and enhance the public charge assessment, ultimately reducing delays and improving the efficiency of the green card application process.
Conclusion: What’s Next for 2025?
Looking ahead, immigration reforms will continue to be a central topic. With Trump’s inauguration in January 2025, we can expect a shift toward more restrictive policies regarding legal immigration pathways, similar to his previous term. However, during his campaign, he also expressed support for legal immigration while emphasizing the deportation of individuals without legal status. As a legal immigrant, there is still hope for policies that favor your situation, but the future remains uncertain. For now, it’s a waiting game.
Now is the opportunity to bypass the EB2/EB3 waitlist or resolve H1B challenges by pursuing the EB1A visa. Our expert strategies and personalized support at Smart Green Card VIP plan have helped 100+ applicants achieve their goals. Whether you aim for EB1A, O-1A, or EB2-NIW approvals, our customized plans and proven track record ensure you’re on the best path forward. Let’s make 2025 a year of progress and success for you!
Share this :
- SGC
- No Comments
Latest blog & Newsletters
A Year in Review: How 2024 Shaped US Immigration
A Year in Review: How 2024 Shaped US Immigration 2024 was a year...
O-1A High Salary Criteria: Practical Strategies for Qualification
O-1A High Salary Criteria: Practical Strategies for Qualification When people think of extraordinary...
The Waiting Game: February Visa Bulletin Predictions for 2025
The Waiting Game: February Visa Bulletin Predictions for 2025 Imagine this: you’ve been...
