Which U.S. Cities Have the Most Family Green Card Applicants? New Data Reveals America’s Immigration Hotspots
- By Fileright
- Last Updated:
Family-based immigration remains one of the most important pathways to permanent residence in the United States, and new data shows that demand continues to grow in some of the nation’s largest metropolitan areas.
A recent analysis of USCIS immigration data found that family-based green card applications reached record levels in 2025, with more than 543,000 cases pending nationwide. While USCIS approved a record number of family-based green cards during the year, the growing backlog highlights the continued demand for family reunification across the country.
The Cities Leading in Family Green Card Applications
According to the report, the largest concentrations of pending family-based green card cases are found in major immigration hubs across the United States.
The top cities and field office regions include:
- Dallas, Texas – 12,685 pending family-based green card applications
- Houston, Texas – 12,607 pending applications
- Chicago, Illinois – 12,580 pending applications
- Newark, New Jersey – 11,837 pending applications
These metropolitan areas have long attracted immigrants due to strong job markets, established immigrant communities, and family sponsorship opportunities, making them key centers for family-based immigration.
Why Family-Based Immigration Matters
For millions of immigrants, family sponsorship is the primary path to obtaining lawful permanent residence. Family-based green cards allow spouses, parents, children, and certain other relatives of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to live and work permanently in the United States.
The impact extends beyond individual families. Family-sponsored immigrants contribute to local economies by purchasing homes, starting businesses, pursuing education, and participating in their communities. As a result, cities with large family-based immigration populations often experience significant economic and cultural growth.
Family Sponsorship Continues to Dominate Green Card Approvals
The analysis also found that family-sponsored immigration accounted for the majority of green cards processed within the United States.
Of the 744,933 green cards approved domestically in 2025, approximately 433,071—or 58%—were family-based. This exceeded employment-based, humanitarian, and all other immigration categories combined, underscoring the central role family reunification continues to play in U.S. immigration policy.
States With the Largest Family Green Card Backlogs
At the state level, Florida recorded the highest number of pending family-based green card applications with more than 55,000 cases. California, Texas, and New York followed closely behind. Together, these four states account for nearly half of all pending family-based green card applications nationwide.
What This Means for Immigrant Families
The record number of pending applications demonstrates both the popularity and importance of family-based immigration. However, it also highlights the need for applicants to ensure their petitions are complete, accurate, and supported by strong documentation.
With USCIS continuing to process a high volume of cases and policy changes affecting some applicants, filing correctly from the beginning can help avoid delays and requests for additional evidence.
Start Your Family Green Card Journey Today
If you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident hoping to sponsor a spouse, parent, child, or eligible relative, now may be the right time to begin the process.
Preparing the application early can help you secure your place in the queue and avoid unnecessary delays. If you’re applying for a family-based green card, taking action today can bring you one step closer to reuniting your family in the United States.
Ready to get started? Explore your family-based immigration options and begin your application process today.
