At a recent immigration summit held at the US Capitol, lawmakers from both major political parties joined forces to address the Green Card backlog issue, particularly its significant impact on Indian professionals and H-1B visa holders.
The summit, organized by the Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora (FIIDS), saw bipartisan support for removing the 7% country cap on issuing Green Cards to foreign guest workers in specialized categories. This cap has led to excessively long waiting periods for Indian immigrants, with some facing delays of over 20 years and even stretching beyond 70 years in extreme cases.
Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna, co-chair of the Congressional India Caucus, stressed the necessity of a rational immigration policy. He advocated for the elimination of country caps to prevent workers from being stuck in limbo, which not only harms American workers but also negatively affects H-1B visa holders.
Khanna also highlighted the illogicality of educating individuals in the US, only to send them back to their home countries. He proposed granting Green Cards to foreign students who have received education funded by American taxpayers, aiming to retain talent and create job opportunities within the country.
Other lawmakers, including Congressman Eric Swalwell and Congressman Shri Thanedar, echoed Khanna's sentiments, emphasizing the need for comprehensive immigration reform. They linked immigration policy to broader issues such as healthcare, environmental sustainability, and economic growth, stressing its importance for American businesses and the overall economy.
Congressmen Rich McCormick and Raja Krishnamoorthi urged the passage of relevant legislation in Congress to address these issues.
Khanderao Kand from FIIDS highlighted the vital role played by technological immigrants, particularly those from India, as leading entrepreneurs in major industries. He underscored the detrimental impact of the 7% country cap on Green Card processing, resulting in a substantial backlog.
Testimonies from various organizations and individuals affected by the immigration system were heard during the summit, reflecting a collective hope for meaningful reform to create a more efficient and inclusive immigration system. The involvement of US lawmakers, representatives from think tanks, and officials from the Department of State underscores the importance of addressing these challenges at the highest levels of government.
