US Bill Proposes New Path for Green Card

A revived immigration reform proposal in the United States could offer fresh hope to millions of long-term immigrants, including hundreds of thousands of Indians waiting for permanent residency. US Senator Alex Padilla has renewed support for the Renewing Immigration Provisions of the Immigration Act of 1929, commonly known as the Registry Bill, which proposes a simpler and faster pathway to Green Cards based on years of residence rather than lengthy employment- or family-based waiting lists.

If enacted, the legislation could significantly ease decades-long Green Card backlogs, particularly for Indian professionals on H-1B visas, although it remains a proposal and has not yet become law.

A Fresh Approach to an Outdated Immigration System

The existing US "registry" provision allows certain long-term residents to apply for Green Cards only if they have continuously lived in the country since 1972, making it virtually irrelevant for today's immigrants.

The proposed bill replaces this outdated cut-off with a rolling seven-year residency requirement. Under the proposal, eligible immigrants who have continuously lived in the US for at least seven years and satisfy security and background checks could apply directly for lawful permanent residency.

Importantly, the proposal creates an additional pathway without replacing existing employment- or family-based Green Card categories.

How the Proposed Registry System Works

The bill introduces a modern residency-based route to permanent residency.

Eligible applicants would be able to seek Green Cards after seven years of continuous residence, while the qualifying date would automatically advance every year, ensuring the system remains relevant.

Unlike the current process, applicants qualifying through the registry route could avoid lengthy employment-based priority date queues and country-specific caps that have created massive backlogs for Indian and Chinese applicants.

The proposal could benefit nearly 8 million immigrants, including H-1B professionals, Dreamers (DACA recipients), Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders and other long-term residents.

Why This is Good News for Indians

For Indian professionals and their families, the proposal offers several potential advantages:

·       Relief from Green Card backlogs: It could help bypass decades-long waiting periods caused by per-country visa caps.

·       Greater certainty for H-1B workers: Long-term residents may obtain permanent residency without relying solely on employer sponsorship.

·       Security for families: H-4 spouses and dependent children could gain greater stability and reduce immigration-related uncertainty.

·       Recognition of long-term contributions: Skilled Indian professionals working in technology, healthcare, finance and research would receive a pathway reflecting their years of contribution to the US economy.

·       Protection against future visa restrictions: A residency-based route could provide an alternative if future reforms tighten H-1B or Optional Practical Training (OPT) rules.

Senator Alex Padilla has renewed his push for the Registry Bill, describing it as a practical solution to reduce immigration backlogs and regularise long-term residents. However, the proposal faces significant political hurdles, including opposition from lawmakers advocating stricter immigration enforcement and separate bills seeking tighter H-1B and student work visa regulations.

As of now, the legislation has not passed Congress, meaning existing Green Card and H-1B rules remain unchanged. The bill must be approved by both the House of Representatives and the Senate before receiving presidential assent to become law.

A Potential Breakthrough, But Not Yet Reality

The revived Registry Bill represents one of the most significant proposed changes to the US immigration system in years. By shifting the focus from rigid country quotas to years of lawful residence and contribution, it offers a potential long-term solution for immigrants who have spent years building careers and families in the United States.

For Indians, who make up one of the largest groups affected by employment-based Green Card backlogs, the proposal offers hope of faster permanent residency and greater immigration certainty. However, its ultimate impact will depend on the political process in Washington. Until it becomes law, it remains an encouraging proposal rather than an immediate change, but one that could reshape the future of US immigration if successfully enacted.

(With agency inputs)