The Long Wait for a U.S. Green Card
Thousands of Indian workers in the United States are facing an incredibly long wait for an employment-based green card. A recent report from the Cato Institute, a libertarian think tank, has highlighted a significant concern regarding the U.S. immigration system: an estimated 134-year backlog for many hopeful Indian applicants.
Understanding the Backlog
Each year, the U.S. government sets a cap of 140,000 employment-based visas, and no single country can claim more than 7% of these visas. This policy has led to an overwhelming backlog, with a current total of 1.8 million cases awaiting resolution, out of which 1.1 million are from Indian nationals.
The breakdown of the backlog is as follows:
– In March 2023, there were 80,324 employment-based petitions, involving 171,635 applicants when including their families.
– A staggering 1.3 million individuals were on a waiting list.
– Approximately 289,000 applicants were in the midst of adjusting their status.
The State Department has yet to release numbers on those waiting for visa processing at consulates and embassies abroad.
The Majority in Limbo
Most of the backlog falls under the EB-2 visa category, which is for workers with advanced degrees. Almost one-fifth are under the EB-3 category for those with a bachelor’s degree. While roughly 13% of backlogged individuals fall under the EB-4 “special immigrants” category, and 6% consist of EB-5 investors.
A Global Queue
The bulk of the backlog comes from India, with China and the Northern Triangle countries—comprising El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala—accounting for a substantial number as well, especially in the EB-4 category for special immigrants.
For many Indian applicants, the outlook is grim. As the Cato Institute puts it, “For new applicants from India, the backlog in the EB-2 and EB-3 categories effectively translates to a life sentence.” They estimate that around 424,000 people might pass away before they receive their green cards.
External Resources
For those looking for more information regarding U.S. immigration and visa policies, visiting official websites such as U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs can be helpful. These platforms provide the most recent updates, application procedures, and critical details about different visa categories.
While this backlog paints a challenging picture, staying informed and understanding the immigration system is crucial for those looking to navigate it successfully.
Who knew that getting a green card could take longer than waiting for the next season of your favorite show? The U.S. employment-based green card backlog is no joke, with an estimated 134-year wait for Indian applicants. Talk about patience! If you’re curious about this mind-boggling wait time and want to dive deeper into immigration and visa policies, check out visaverge.com for more juicy details. Happy exploring!
Pocket Piece:
Thousands of Indian workers in the U.S. face a 134-year wait for green cards due to a backlog in the employment-based visa system. The backlog affects mostly EB-2 and EB-3 visa categories, with an estimated 1.8 million cases awaiting resolution. Understanding the system and staying informed is crucial.
