A new immigration bill introduced in the US Senate could offer a faster pathway to permanent residency for millions of long-term immigrants, including thousands of Indian H-1B visa holders who have faced years-long Green Card backlogs.
The legislation, introduced by Democratic Senator Alex Padilla of California, seeks to modernise a decades-old immigration provision by allowing eligible immigrants who have lived continuously in the United States for at least seven years to apply for lawful permanent resident (Green Card) status.
If approved by Congress, the proposal could significantly benefit Indian professionals, who make up one of the largest groups of H-1B visa holders and often experience lengthy waiting periods for employment-based Green Cards because of country-wise annual limits.
What the proposed bill offers
The proposed Renewing Immigration Provisions of the Immigration Act of 1929 would amend Section 249 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, commonly known as the Registry provision.
Under the proposed changes, applicants would be eligible to seek permanent residency if they:
- Have lived continuously in the US for at least seven years.
- Have no criminal record.
- Meet all existing Green Card eligibility requirements.
The legislation would replace the current Registry eligibility cut-off date of January 1, 1972, with a rolling seven-year residency requirement. If enacted, the change would take effect 60 days after the law is signed.
Major relief for Indian H-1B professionals
The proposal is viewed as particularly significant for Indian professionals employed in the US under H-1B visas. Due to annual country caps on employment-based Green Cards, many Indian applicants remain in the immigration queue for several years despite living and working legally in the country.
By introducing a residency-based pathway, the bill could reduce uncertainty for many skilled workers who have built careers and families in the United States while waiting for permanent residency.
In addition to H-1B visa holders, the legislation would also cover:
- Dreamers
- Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders
- Essential workers
- Children of long-term visa holders
Senator Padilla calls for immigration reform
Announcing the proposal, Senator Alex Padilla said the legislation is intended to update immigration rules that have remained largely unchanged for decades.
He argued that millions of long-term residents continue to contribute to the US economy and local communities but still lack a clear pathway to permanent legal status.
Padilla added that immigration laws should reflect the realities faced by families and workers who have lived in the country for years.
Political hurdles remain
Despite the proposal’s potential impact, the bill faces significant political challenges.
Republicans currently favour stricter immigration measures, making the legislation’s passage uncertain. Although the bill has received support from Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin and 14 Democratic co-sponsors, it would still need approval from both chambers of Congress before becoming law.
A companion bill has also been introduced in the House of Representatives by California Representative Zoe Lofgren.
If enacted, the legislation would mark one of the most significant immigration reforms for long-term US residents in recent years and could provide a long-awaited opportunity for many Indian professionals seeking permanent residency.
