New US Bill Could Offer Green Cards to Long-Term H-1B Holders
A new US immigration bill proposes a Green Card pathway for long-term H-1B holders and other eligible immigrants after seven years of continuous residence.
A new immigration bill introduced in the U.S. Senate could create a Green Card for H-1B Holders by establishing a new pathway to a United States Green Card for millions of long-term immigrants. If enacted, the proposal could benefit professionals who have lived and worked in the U.S. for several years while waiting for US permanent residency.
Bill Seeks New Pathway to Permanent Residency
The Renewing Immigration Provisions Act, introduced by Senator Alex Padilla, would allow eligible immigrants who have continuously lived in the United States for at least seven years to apply to become a lawful permanent resident. The proposal is expected to benefit many Indian professionals caught in lengthy employment-based Green Card backlogs, despite maintaining valid work authorization for years.
The legislation is designed to update immigration provisions that have remained largely unchanged for decades and would create an additional pathway to permanent residency for qualifying long-term immigrants.
How It Could Impact H-1B Holders
For many skilled professionals, the debate around H1B vs Green Card reflects the difference between temporary work authorization and permanent immigration status. While the H-1B visa allows foreign workers to live and work in the U.S. for a limited period, a Green Card provides long-term stability and greater employment flexibility.
If enacted, the bill could benefit eligible H-1B professionals who continue to maintain their H1B visa status while waiting for existing immigration pathways. Qualified applicants may also become eligible to file for Adjustment of Status, enabling them to transition to permanent resident status without leaving the United States.
Proposal Still Awaits Congressional Approval
The legislation has been introduced in Congress but has not become law. It must be approved by both the House of Representatives and the Senate before being signed by the President. Until then, there are no changes to existing immigration rules or Green Card processing time for applicants under the current system.
If passed, the bill could represent a significant policy shift by creating a new route to US permanent residency for millions of long-term immigrants, including many H-1B professionals who have spent years contributing to the U.S. economy while awaiting permanent immigration status.
Stay connected with Smart Immigrant for the latest U.S. immigration news and expert insights on US visa pathways.
Read full News here: https://www.news18.com/amp/world/us-immigration-bill-h1b-visa-green-card-holders-indians-ws-el-10239325.html
