Three prominent members of the US House of Representatives, including Raja Krishnamoorthi and Pramila Jayapal, have collaborated to present a bipartisan bill named HR 6542, also known as the Immigration Visa Efficiency and Security Act of 2023. The primary objective of this legislation is to address the existing backlog of green card applications and eliminate discriminatory practices based on the country of origin, particularly for employment-based visas.
The proposed bill encompasses key measures that, if enacted into law, could significantly benefit thousands of Indian Americans currently entangled in lengthy waits for green cards or permanent residency. One notable provision seeks to phase out the prevailing seven percent per-country limit imposed on employment-based immigrant visas. Simultaneously, it advocates for an increase in the seven percent limit on family-sponsored visas to 15 percent.
The rationale behind these proposed changes is to foster economic growth in the United States and enhance its competitive standing on the global stage. By eliminating the country-based discrimination inherent in the current system, the legislation aims to encourage American employers to prioritize the merit and skills of potential immigrant workers rather than their country of birth.
The bill also addresses the challenges associated with the employment-based visa system, which often results in qualified individuals waiting for extended periods in temporary status due to caps based on their nationality. Approximately 95 percent of employment-based immigrants currently reside and work in the US on temporary visas while awaiting the availability of a permanent visa. The proposed legislation aims to streamline this process and reduce the backlog for those who have been waiting the longest.
In addition to the changes in visa allocation, the bill strengthens the H-1B temporary visa program, a critical component of the US immigration system. It introduces an option for individuals who have been waiting in the immigrant visa backlog for two years to file a green card application, although approval remains contingent on visa availability.
Overall, the Immigration Visa Efficiency and Security Act of 2023 represents a comprehensive effort to reform the existing immigration system, making it more merit-based and responsive to the needs of the economy. The proposed changes not only aim to benefit Indian-Americans but also contribute to the broader goals of economic growth, competitiveness, and fairness in the US immigration landscape.
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