Do political crises affect immigration to the United States?
- Murtaz Navsariwala
- Jul 25
- 4 min read
In times of uncertainty and headlines about diplomatic tensions, many people ask:
“Can political crises put an end to immigration to the United States?”
The answer is clear: don’t confuse political issues with actual changes in the U.S. immigration system.
In this article, you’ll understand why the immigration process for qualified professionals remains active, what the U.S. government truly values, and how you can move forward with your plan to legally live in the country — even during unstable times.
Table of Contents
Do political crises change U.S. immigration policy?
It’s common for political decisions or international disputes to dominate headlines and create concern among those planning to immigrate.
But it’s important to understand that U.S. immigration policy does not change based on short-term diplomatic events.
The American immigration system is based on federal law, economic data, demographic projections, and the country’s strategic interests.
👉 Real example: Even during the U.S.-China trade war (2018–2020), the number of work and student visas issued to Chinese nationals remained stable, because the U.S. continued to prioritize top talent and high-performing students — regardless of geopolitical conflicts.
👉 In 2020, under the Trump administration, many immigration processes continued normally, despite a more restrictive political tone. This proves that U.S. immigration law is more stable than political rhetoric.
👉 In 2023, the number of Green Cards issued to foreign professionals increased by over 10%, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, even amidst ongoing debates over the border and asylum policies.
The key factor in approving a qualified immigrant is their ability to contribute to the U.S. economy and development — not temporary political tension.
What does the U.S. look for in an immigrant?
The U.S. merit-based immigration system values three core pillars:
Proven professional qualifications: academic background and relevant field experience.
Ability to make real impact: measurable contributions to the economy, technology, education, health, or society.
Financial stability: economic self-sufficiency and potential to invest or create jobs locally.
This is not about luck — it’s about a system built on evidence, merit, and contribution.
📊 Data that proves the growing demand
Green Cards via employment
In 2023, of approximately 1.2 million new permanent residents, 24% came through employment-based or self-petitioned applications.
Nearly 194,000 employment-based Green Cards were issued — nearly reaching the full annual cap.
A total of 196,760 immigrants received Green Cards through employment, representing 16.8% of all approvals.
EB-2 & EB-1A – merit-based immigration
EB-2 petitions (including NIW) rose from ~70,600 in 2021 to 84,470 in 2022, remaining high in 2023.
EB-2 approvals grew from ~57,800 in 2021 to 92,280 in 2022, with 81,380 approvals in 2023 — and over 90% approval rate.
EB-2 NIW cases increased from 26% in 2022 to 43% in 2023, representing 39,810 petitions.
Why do these numbers matter?
Even during political uncertainty, the U.S. job market continues to support merit-based immigration.
U.S. companies in tech, finance, and research rely heavily on global talent.
In 2023, immigrants made up 19.2% of the U.S. civilian labor force, proving how integrated and essential they are.
EB2-NIW: the visa that could transform your career in the U.S.
For many international professionals, the EB2-NIW (Employment-Based Second Preference – National Interest Waiver) has become one of the most effective paths to legally live and work in the United States — with independence and no need for a job offer.
This visa targets individuals with solid academic and professional backgrounds working in fields that benefit the national interest — such as healthcare, education, technology, science, engineering, and more.
Its greatest advantage is that you can apply for a Green Card without needing a U.S. employer to sponsor you, as long as you demonstrate that your work aligns with the country’s strategic priorities.
The process requires a well-prepared strategy, robust documentation, and a clear presentation of your career achievements — but when done right, it can open permanent doors in the U.S.
Want to know if this is the right path for you?
The team at Murtaz Law specializes in EB2-NIW cases and offers free eligibility evaluations for candidates from all nationalities.
We’ll guide you with clarity, professionalism, and a strategy tailored to your goals.
About Murtaz Law
With more than a decade of experience, we take pride in guiding families and individuals on their journey to legally immigrate to the USA, whether temporarily or permanently.
Our success story spans a variety of cases, including temporary immigration, family reunification, naturalization, and especially, work visas like the EB2-NIW, which leads to the Green Card. Over the years, we have built a solid reputation and become a reference for skilled professionals, artists, and elite athletes who wish to expand their careers or undertake ventures in the USA.
Our 99.5% approval rate in cases demonstrates our commitment to a personalized approach, combining ethics, creativity, and deep knowledge of the laws and economic issues. We recognize that each client has a unique story and work side by side, individually, to create tailored strategies that achieve the desired outcomes. We take the importance of our work in our clients' lives seriously. Your future deserves a unique strategy, and we at Murtaz Law have the experience and expertise to meet your immigration needs.
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