The new US Bill seeks to provide faster path to citizenship for H-1B visa holders
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A new bill has been introduced in the US Senate which expects to offer citizenship to specific categories of individuals and would help Indian tech workers in the US. Under the Renewing Immigration Provisions of the Immigration Act, presented on Wednesday an immigrant who has lived in the US continuously for a period of seven years could qualify for a green card.
This was introduced in the US Senate by Senator Alex Padilla and co-sponsored by Senators Elizabeth Warren, Ben Beam Lujan, and Dick Durbin on Wednesday. A companion bill was presented in the House of Representatives. By Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren who is also chair of the House Subcommittee on Immigration.
The regulation would give a pathway to getting a green card for up to 8,000,000 individuals, including H-1B visa holders, children of long-term visa holders, dreamers, and others. If approved, Indians could be among the greatest beneficiaries as they currently face wait times running into decades for permanent residency on account of country quotas.
New US Bill seeks to citizenship for H-1B visa holders
“Our outdated immigration system is harming endless individuals and holding down America’s economy. My bill would update the Registry cutoff date for the first time in more than 35 years. So that more immigrants can apply for legal permanent residence,” said Alex Padilla.
“This could have a profound impact on millions of immigrants. Some who have been living, working, and adding to the United States for decades. By allowing them to live freely without the fear of an uncertain future,” he said.
[USCIS Increases Green Card Validity Extension for Renewal Applicants]
It might still take time for this Bill to become reality. It needs to initially be agreed upon and then passed by the Senate and House of Representatives. Before it can be signed into regulation by US President Joe Biden.
Meanwhile, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services said that it would automatically expand the validity of Permanent resident cards. Or green cards for the people who have filed the expected form to two years. This has been done to manage the long processing times that candidates are presently facing.
