HighLights
  1. New bill offers Green Card after seven years residency.
  2. Benefits millions, including Indian H-1B visa holders.
  3. Updates 1929 Immigration Act provision for permanent residency.

A new immigration bill introduced by Democratic Senator Alex Padilla can open a pathway to permanent residency for millions of long-term US residents, including Indian H-1B visa holders. The proposal aims to allow eligible immigrants who have lived in the US for at least seven years to apply for Green Cards, but the bill faces challenges amid US President Donald Trump's continued push for stricter immigration policies and growing differences among parties over it.

Bill Proposes Green Card Pathway After Seven Years

Senator Alex Padilla of California has introduced the Renewing Immigration Provisions of the Immigration Act of 1929. If passed, the bill would allow immigrants who have lived continuously in the US for at least seven years to apply for a Green Card. According to a statement released by his office, applicants would need to have no criminal record and meet other existing requirements for permanent residency.

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Padilla Criticises Trump Administration's Immigration Policies

The proposal aims to update an immigration provision that has remained unchanged since 1986 and can benefit more than eight million people. Padilla said the bill was introduced to support immigrants who have built their lives in the US but continue to face uncertainty. "A year ago, I introduced this bill to push back against the Trump administration's cruel treatment of hardworking immigrants," Padilla said in a release.

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"Since then, President Trump's campaign of fear has only escalated, with families living under constant uncertainty despite having built their lives in this country," he added. He also called for changes in the current immigration system. "Congress cannot continue to ignore millions of long-term residents who contribute to our economy and communities every day. It's past time to modernise our immigration laws and create a fair pathway to lawful permanent residency,” Padilla noted.

How The Proposed Law Can Help Immigrants

The bill will update Section 249 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, also known as the Registry provision. Currently, the law allows certain immigrants to apply for permanent residency if they have lived in the US since a fixed date. The current eligibility date is January 1, 1972. Under Padilla's proposal, this fixed date would be replaced with a requirement that immigrants must have lived in the US continuously for at least seven years. The change would come into effect 60 days after the bill becomes law.

Indian H-1B Visa Holders May Benefit

The proposal is significant for Indian professionals, as Indians make up a large share of H-1B visa holders in the US. Many Indian workers face long waiting periods for employment-based green cards due to country-wise limits on permanent residency. If passed, the bill could provide a new route for highly skilled workers, including H-1B visa holders, to apply for permanent residency.

The proposed legislation can cover dreamers, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders, essential workers, children of long-term visa holders, skilled workers, including H-1b visa holders.

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