Eminent lawmakers from both the Democratic and Republican parties converged at a groundbreaking immigration summit in the US Capitol, urging immediate action to tackle the mounting Green Card backlog. The summit, organized by the Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora (FIIDS), focused on the pressing issues faced by Indian professionals and challenges associated with the H-1B visa.

One of the primary concerns raised was the urgent need to eliminate the seven percent country quota system that currently hampers the issuance of Green Cards to foreign guest workers, particularly those in specialized categories. This quota system has exacerbated the backlog, leading to Green Card waiting periods exceeding two decades for Indian immigrants and stretching to over 70 years in certain cases.

A Green Card, formally known as a Permanent Resident Card, holds significant importance as it signifies an immigrant’s legal authorization to reside permanently in the United States. However, the current backlog crisis has rendered this privilege unattainable for many deserving individuals.

Congressman Ro Khanna, serving as co-chair of the Congressional India Caucus, emphasized the necessity for a rational immigration policy that addresses the plight of skilled professionals caught in bureaucratic limbo. The summit underscored the critical role of bipartisan collaboration in crafting effective solutions to alleviate the Green Card backlog and streamline the immigration process.

As the dialogue continues, it is imperative for policymakers to prioritize comprehensive reforms that uphold fairness, efficiency, and inclusivity within the US immigration system. The outcomes of this summit signal a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to enact meaningful change and provide relief to thousands of aspiring immigrants striving to contribute their talents to the nation’s workforce.