New US Bill May Fast-Track Green Card Option
A new US Senate Bill proposes a seven-year residency pathway to permanent residency, offering hope to millions of immigrants, including Indians awaiting green cards.
Lakhs of long-term immigrants in the United States, including thousands of Indians waiting for permanent residency, could benefit if a new Bill introduced by California's US Senator Alex Padilla becomes law.
The proposal, if passed, would allow people who have lived continuously in the US for at least seven years, have no criminal record, and meet other eligibility requirements to apply for lawful permanent residency and obtain a green card.
Senator Padilla has renewed the Renewing Immigration Provisions of the Immigration Act of 1929, often called the Registry Bill. The current US law allows only immigrants who have lived in the country since January 1, 1972, to apply for permanent residency through the registry process.
The Bill would replace this outdated cut-off date with a rolling seven-year requirement, making millions of long-term residents eligible. Supporters say more than 80 lakh people could qualify if Congress approves the proposal.
“Congress cannot continue to ignore millions of long-term residents who contribute to our economy and communities every day. It’s past time to modernise our immigration laws and create a fair pathway to lawful permanent residency,” Padilla said in a statement.
The legislation has been backed by Senate Democratic whip Dick Durbin, along with a number of other US senators and over 30 human rights organisations. However, the Bill faces an uncertain future as it must secure enough support in both the Senate and the House of Representatives, where the Republicans have a majority, before it can become law.
The proposal can bring a lot of Indian diaspora clearance for availing permanent residency in the United States. Padilla's office said that the bill would benefit highly skilled workers, including H-1B visa holders, who have spent years waiting for employment-based green cards because of long country-wise backlogs. It could also help children of long-term visa holders who risk losing their legal status after turning 21, who are referred to as "documented dreamers".
M. Dinesh, a consultancy manager in Hyderabad, said, “The proposed bill opens up a lot of opportunities for Indians, who make up the majority of H-1B holders and temporary workers in the US. But the bill has to be passed, and has to face very strong opposition from Republicans.”