Top US Congressmen Introduce Bill To Reduce Green Card Backlog; All You Need To Know

In a bipartisan effort, three influential Congressmen, including Indian-Americans Raja Krishnamoorthi and Pramila Jayapal, have introduced HR 6542, the Immigration Visa Efficiency and Security Act of 2023. The bill aims to address the green card backlog and eliminate country-based discrimination for employment-based visas.

Key Provisions of HR 6542

The legislation seeks to boost the US economy and enhance global competitiveness by dismantling the seven percent per-country limit on employment-based immigrant visas.

Simultaneously, the bill proposes increasing the seven-per-country limit on family-sponsored visas to 15 percent. These measures are anticipated to reduce the green card backlog significantly.

Impact on Indian-Americans

If passed and signed into law, the bill would alleviate the decades-long wait for green cards faced by numerous Indian-Americans. By shifting the focus to merit rather than birthplace, the legislation aims to streamline the immigration process, allowing highly skilled workers to contribute more effectively to the nation's growth.

Congressman Krishnamoorthi's Perspective

Congressman Krishnamoorthi emphasized the necessity of ending country-based discrimination for employment-based immigrant visas. He expressed pride in collaborating on this bipartisan initiative, highlighting the potential to strengthen the economy and workforce while addressing visa backlogs.

Understanding the Employment-Based Visa System

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The bill addresses the inherent limitations of the employment-based visa system, which currently allocates visas based on the applicant's country of birth. Despite starting as a merit-based system, the allocation process becomes disconnected from merit or skills, hindering the establishment of skilled workers as contributing members of American society.

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Phased-In System for Backlog Relief

The proposed legislation establishes a phased-in system to alleviate the backlog for individuals waiting the longest. Drawing parallels with the Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act, the bill gradually eliminates the seven percent per-country cap for employment-based immigrant visas. Additionally, it extends the transition period to nine years, ensuring an inclusive approach.

Strengthening the H-1B Program and Addressing the Backlog

Besides tackling the green card backlog, the bill enhances the H-1B temporary visa program. It also introduces an option for individuals in the immigrant visa backlog to file a green card application for two years, with approval contingent on visa availability.

This legislative initiative reflects a concerted effort to reform the immigration system, promoting fairness, efficiency, and meritocracy.

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