Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Jul 30: A new immigration Bill introduced in the US Senate proposes to allow immigrants who have lived continuously in the United States for at least seven years to apply for permanent residency, a move that could benefit millions of people, including a large number of Indian H-1B visa holders.

The proposed legislation, titled the Renewing Immigration Provisions of the Immigration Act of 1929, has been introduced by Alex Padilla. It seeks to provide an alternative pathway to a green card for eligible immigrants who have maintained continuous residence in the US for seven years.

Under the proposal, applicants must have no criminal record and must satisfy all other eligibility requirements for obtaining a green card.

The Bill is expected to be particularly significant for Indian professionals, who account for a large share of H-1B visa holders in the US. Owing to annual per-country limits on employment-based green cards, many Indians face waiting periods stretching over several years before they can obtain permanent residency.

If enacted, the legislation would offer eligible H-1B visa holders who have lived continuously in the US for seven years another route to secure a green card, potentially reducing the long wait faced by those repeatedly renewing temporary work visas.

The proposal could also benefit children of long-term visa holders who risk losing dependent status after turning 21, as well as Dreamers, holders of Temporary Protected Status (TPS), essential workers and other highly skilled professionals.

According to Senator Padilla's office, the proposed legislation could benefit more than 8 million people.

The Bill seeks to amend Section 249 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, commonly known as the "registry" provision. At present, the law applies only to immigrants who have lived in the United States since before January 1, 1972.

The proposed amendment would remove the fixed cut-off date and replace it with a requirement of seven years of continuous residence. If passed, the changes would come into effect 60 days after the law is enacted.

The legislation is being led in the Senate by Alex Padilla along with Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin and has the backing of 14 Democratic senators. A similar Bill has also been introduced in the House of Representatives by Zoe Lofgren.

However, the proposal is expected to face significant hurdles in Congress, with Republican opposition likely to make its passage into law challenging.