[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]United States Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS) has published its final immigration and asylum statistics for fiscal year 2019. The fiscal year for USCIS runs from October to September, so in the case of fiscal year 2019, the data represent the statistics from October 2018 through September 2019. The data is, unfortunately, extremely hard to decipher quickly, but USCIS has offered some statistic summaries of note. USCIS will likely issue a full statistical annual report later this year.
According to USCIS, 2019 was a banner year for new United States citizens. 834,000 new Americans were naturalized in 2019, the most since 2008. U.S. citizenship offers numerous benefits over permanent residency, including protections from deportation and gaining the right to vote. 577,000 foreign nationals are now on the path to U.S. citizenship, as they received their green cards in fiscal year 2019. After five years of permanent residency (or three years of permanent residency for green card holders married to U.S. citizen), these new green card holders can also apply for U.S. citizenship.
USCIS also reported that it received more than 2 million I-765, Application for Employment Authorization forms and approved over 500,000 non-immigrant worker visas, including the H-1B visa. It also approved over 25,000 visas for victims of crime, human trafficking, and domestic violence.
The Law Offices of Scott Warmuth helps people live and work legally in the United States by navigating them through the complexities of immigration law. We offer free consultations in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Spanish. Speak to an immigration lawyer today! Call 888-517-9888![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
