New US Bill Proposes 7-Year Green Card Path for Indian Immigrants

The bill, reintroduced in both chambers of Congress, would update the Immigration and Nationality Act to allow certain undocumented immigrants who have lived in the U.S. for at least seven years to apply for lawful permanent residence. This provision is separate from the employment-based visa system that has left hundreds of thousands of Indian nationals waiting for green cards for decades.

Under the current system, Indian professionals on H-1B visas face wait times that can exceed 50 years due to per-country caps. The new legislation does not directly alter those caps, but it offers an alternative route for long-term residents, including those who entered legally but overstayed their visas, to adjust their status without leaving the country.

The bill's sponsors argue that it would help retain skilled workers who have contributed to the U.S. economy and communities for years. It also includes provisions to update outdated language in the 1929 law, which currently requires continuous residence since 1972, a date that has not been adjusted for decades.

Immigrant advocacy groups have praised the reintroduction, noting that the bill could benefit not only Indian nationals but also other immigrant communities facing similar backlogs. However, the legislation faces an uphill battle in a divided Congress, where immigration reform has stalled in recent years.

If passed, the bill would allow eligible applicants to pay a $1,500 fee and pass background checks and medical exams. The proposal has been introduced in previous sessions but has not advanced beyond committee hearings.