New immigration Bill introduced in US:Move could ease Green Card wait for millions, including Indian H-1B Visa holders

Democratic Senator Alex Padilla has introduced a new immigration bill in the US Senate that would allow immigrants who have continuously lived in the United States for at least seven years to apply for a Green Card. If enacted, the proposal could benefit millions of immigrants, including a large number of Indian H-1B visa holders, though its passage faces significant political hurdles. The legislation, titled the Renewing Immigration Provisions of the Immigration Act 1929, proposes creating a new pathway to permanent residency for immigrants who have maintained continuous residence in the US for seven years. To qualify, applicants must not have a criminal record and must satisfy all other Green Card eligibility requirements under US immigration law. Relief for Indian H-1B Visa holders The proposal is particularly significant for Indian professionals, who make up a substantial share of H-1B visa holders in the United States. Many Indians face decades-long waits for employment-based Green Cards because of the per-country cap that limits the number of permanent residency visas issued to applicants from any single country each year. If the bill becomes law, eligible H-1B visa holders who have lived continuously in the US for seven years could gain an alternative route to permanent residency. It could also provide relief to those who have spent years renewing temporary work visas while waiting for employment-based Green Cards. The proposed legislation may also benefit children of long-term visa holders who age out after turning 21, Dreamers, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders, essential workers and other highly skilled immigrants. According to Senator Padilla’s office, more than 8 million people could qualify under the proposal. Proposed changes to immigration law The bill seeks to amend Section 249 (Registry) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Under the current law, only immigrants who have continuously resided in the US since before January 1, 1972, are eligible to apply for permanent residency through the Registry provision. The proposed amendment would eliminate the fixed cut-off date and replace it with a rolling requirement of seven years of continuous residence. The changes would take effect 60 days after the legislation becomes law. Political challenges ahead The bill is being led by Senator Alex Padilla alongside Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin and has the backing of 14 Democratic senators. A companion bill has also been introduced in the House of Representatives by Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren.