State Department Reportedly Estimates Unused Visa Number Since 1990 at "500,000"
http://www.immigration-law.com/Canada.html
Folks should probably contact congressmen, senators and any one else or simply do Gandhigiri again to FORCE the USCIS to reuse these unused visas DUE TO THEIR INEFFICIENCIES!!
Until we all do something harsh, different and eye opening to those who need, this thing is not going to change.
Although, my GC jeourney is over, during my personal trip to thank the Congressman's office, I will be detailing in writing some issues where USCIS can improve it's efficieny and minimize the time and money at their end for processing a case.
I feel wastage of such a big no. is a mockery of well educated people while illegal people were awarded "AMNESTY" in 2000-2001.
Interesting, during my recent trip to India, one lady had requested me to fill up her arrival/departure record in flight. This lady had not visited home country for 10 yrs as was illegal in the US till 2001 when she was given Amnesty and had recently received her GC. At that time I was travelling on AP and that lady- once an illegal one, was travelling on her GC she had "earned" in 10 yrs. Though I was unhappy, I had filled up her form.
I was all set to file the WOM after coming back,BUT, USCIS got lucky as they approved my case prior to that.
In this process, I have learnt a lot, mostly, about the beuracratic stuff and I will continue to do what ever I can, to make a positive impact on the system.