A fresh immigration reform proposal in the United States could provide a new pathway to permanent residency for millions of long-term immigrants, including a large number of Indian H-1B visa holders waiting for Green Cards. However, the legislation is expected to face significant political hurdles before it can become law.

US Senator Alex Padilla has renewed support for the Renewing Immigration Provisions of the Immigration Act of 1929 Bill, which seeks to modernise the country's immigration system by expanding eligibility for lawful permanent residency.

If approved by Congress, the proposal could ease decades-long Green Card backlogs that have particularly affected skilled Indian professionals employed in the United States.

Bill Seeks to Modernise Immigration Rules

The proposed legislation would amend Section 249 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, commonly known as the Registry provision.

The existing law, last updated in 1986, allows only certain immigrants who entered the United States before January 1, 1972, to apply for permanent residency under the Registry process.

Padilla's bill proposes replacing this outdated cutoff by allowing immigrants who have continuously lived in the United States for at least seven years before filing an application to become eligible for lawful permanent residency, provided they meet legal requirements, including maintaining a clean criminal record.

Describing the proposal as a "common-sense" reform, the California Democrat said the country's immigration laws no longer reflect present-day realities and should provide fair opportunities for long-term residents contributing to the American economy.

Relief for Indian H-1B Professionals

The proposal is being closely watched by Indian professionals, who make up the largest share of H-1B visa holders in the United States.

According to official US immigration data, nearly 70% of the approximately 85,000 H-1B visas issued annually are granted to Indian nationals. Many of these professionals remain stuck in employment-based Green Card queues for years due to country-specific annual limits.

Industry estimates indicate that around one million Indians are currently waiting in the US employment-based Green Card backlog, with some families facing waiting periods stretching over several decades.

If enacted, the proposed law could provide an alternative route to permanent residency for many skilled Indian workers who have spent years contributing to the US economy while awaiting Green Card approval.

Wider Impact Beyond H-1B Holders

Apart from highly skilled professionals, the legislation would also benefit several other categories of long-term immigrants.

According to Senator Padilla's office, the bill could make more than eight million people eligible to apply for lawful permanent residency, including Dreamers, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders, children of long-term visa holders, essential workers and other immigrants who satisfy residency and eligibility conditions.

Immigration experts believe the proposal could also benefit thousands of Indian students who graduate from US universities, transition to Optional Practical Training (OPT), and later obtain H-1B visas before entering the lengthy employment-based Green Card process.

Political Challenges Remain

Despite its potential benefits, the proposal faces an uncertain future in the US Congress, where immigration continues to be one of the most politically divisive issues.

While the legislation has backing from several Democratic lawmakers, Republican leaders have recently introduced multiple proposals aimed at tightening immigration policies and restricting employment-based visa programmes.

Earlier this year, lawmakers introduced separate bills proposing significant restrictions on the H-1B programme, including temporary suspension of new visas and, in some cases, a phased elimination of the programme altogether.

Given the current political landscape, analysts believe securing bipartisan support for Padilla's Green Card reform bill will be challenging.

Long Legislative Process Ahead

The proposal must clear multiple stages in both the Senate and the House of Representatives before it can be signed into law.

While the bill offers hope to millions of immigrants waiting for permanent residency, including thousands of Indian professionals, its passage remains uncertain amid ongoing political disagreements over US immigration policy.

For now, the legislation represents one of the most significant recent attempts to address long-standing Green Card backlogs affecting skilled foreign workers in the United States.