More than a million Indians are currently facing prolonged waits for green cards, as revealed by data from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This backlog stems from limitations on the number of green cards allotted to individuals from specific countries, coupled with a relatively low annual quota.
The USCIS data underscores the plight of numerous highly skilled Indian professionals, including doctors, engineers, and scientists, who are confronted with the prospect of enduring wait times spanning potentially several decades in their pursuit of permanent residency in the United States. Such protracted delays pose challenges not only for the individuals themselves and their families but also for the US, which risks losing out on attracting and retaining talented workers, according to the National Foundation for American Policy (NFAP), which analyzed the USCIS data.
The NFAP's study of the USCIS data indicates that over 1.2 million Indians, along with their dependents, are currently ensnared in the top three employment-based green card categories. These include the First Preference (EB-1), Second Preference (EB-2), and Third Preference (EB-3) classifications, each tailored to distinct professional profiles.
Of particular concern is the burgeoning backlog in the EB-2 category, where Indians make up a significant portion, with the USCIS data revealing a substantial increase in recent years. The NFAP's analysis projects that without legislative intervention, this backlog is poised to swell further, potentially reaching unprecedented levels by FY 2030.
Compounding the issue is the glaring disparity in wait times between Indians and nationals of other countries, such as China and the Philippines, owing to the per-country limit on green cards. This has left Indian professionals grappling with interminable waits, with the Visa Bulletin indicating priority dates stretching back years.
The ramifications of these prolonged waits extend beyond mere inconvenience, as they exact a toll on individuals and families, while also undermining America's ability to tap into and retain top talent from India. Addressing this pressing issue calls for legislative reforms aimed at rectifying the flaws in the existing system, a plea echoed by the National Foundation for American Policy.
