US Senator Proposes Green Card Pathway for Long-Term Immigrants Including H-1B Visa Holders

A Democratic senator in the United States has introduced a bill that could create a pathway to permanent residency for immigrants who have lived in the country for more than seven years, including those on H-1B visas. The proposed legislation aims to address longstanding delays in the green card process, particularly affecting skilled workers from countries like India.

Senator Alex Padilla of California reintroduced the 'Renewing Immigration Provisions of the Immigration Act of 1929' bill, which he originally proposed last year. The bill would allow eligible immigrants who have resided in the US for at least seven years before filing an application to apply for lawful permanent residency, provided they have no criminal record and meet other requirements.

Padilla described the bill as a 'common-sense' fix to what he called an 'outdated' immigration system. The proposal comes as the administration of President Donald Trump continues to tighten immigration enforcement, including higher fees for certain visa applications aimed at protecting American jobs. Padilla's bill is seen as a countermeasure to these policies, though its passage remains uncertain in a divided Congress.

H-1B visa holders, many of whom work in technology and other skilled sectors, often face years or decades of waiting for green cards due to per-country caps. For Indian nationals, the backlog can extend beyond 50 years. The proposed bill would offer relief by allowing long-term residents to adjust status without being subject to these caps, provided they meet the seven-year residency requirement.

The bill has drawn support from immigrant advocacy groups but faces opposition from those who argue it could encourage illegal immigration or undercut American workers. Padilla emphasized that the legislation includes criminal background checks and other safeguards to ensure only law-abiding residents benefit.