Aiming to address the persistent green card backlog issue, a bipartisan group of lawmakers, led by U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal, Rep. Rich McCormick, and Rep. Raja Krishnamo, has introduced the HR6542 Act in the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill seeks to eliminate per-country caps on employment-based green cards and increase family-based green card limits. This legislative initiative is expected to benefit immigrants facing prolonged waiting periods, notably from countries like India and China.
In a move to streamline the immigrant visa system and alleviate the challenges posed by the green card backlog, the HR6542 Act proposes substantial reforms. Representative Jayapal expressed her commitment to the cause, stating, “Proud to help lead this important bipartisan bill with @RepMcCormick & @CongressmanRaja to improve our immigrant visa system and ease the harsh effects of the immigrant visa backlog.”
The proposed bill targets the discriminatory per-country caps that have disproportionately affected immigrants from India and China, leaving them in limbo for extended periods, separated from their families and uncertain about their future. Representative Jayapal emphasized that the HR6542 Act would contribute to ending this discriminatory practice and offer relief to affected individuals.
One of the key provisions of the bill is the elimination of per-country caps, which have contributed to a significant backlog of green card applications. The existing annual limits on green cards have resulted in a backlog of 1.8 million employment-based green card cases, according to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
The HR6542 Act aligns with the broader goal of improving the immigrant visa system and facilitating the reunification of families. Representative Jayapal highlighted the bill’s potential to assist American businesses in retaining skilled talent, fostering competition, and driving innovation in the global economy.
The proposed legislation has garnered support from various immigration advocacy groups, including Immigration Voice. The organization commended the bill, emphasizing that it would provide relief to over 1.2 million high-skilled immigrants stuck in the green card backlog, some facing the prospect of waiting up to 134 years to receive their green cards.
In addition to addressing the employment-based green card backlog, the HR6542 Act also seeks to phase out the 7% per-country cap on employment-based green cards over nine years. Furthermore, it proposes an increase in the 7% per-country limit on family-sponsored green cards to 15%.
The bill’s introduction reflects a bipartisan effort to navigate the complexities of immigration reform and create a more equitable and efficient system. The HR6542 Act is poised to be a significant step forward in addressing the challenges faced by immigrants seeking permanent residency in the United States.
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