Washington: The US State Department’s August visa bulletin reveals a shocking reality for highly skilled Indian professionals seeking a green card, as the wait time in the EB 1 category retrogressed and exceeded 10 years. Meanwhile, the wait time for China remains unchanged – 01 Feb, 22.
This disparity has sparked demands for exemptions, particularly in the L1-A visa category, as the prolonged wait surpasses the total visa duration of 7 years.
Expressing concern, a prominent immigration attorney based in the US stated, “This is highly unfair to Indians, and the US must find a way to provide an exemption for the L1-A visa category as this means that the wait for a green card is more than the total visa duration of 7 years.”
People have also expressed their discontent on the same on social media platforms. Social media discussions have highlighted the potential consequences of this situation, with skilled professionals and students considering other countries due to the lengthy and burdensome wait for a US green card or permanent residency. Furthermore, it is expected to discourage startup founders and skilled professionals from investing in the United States as the prolonged wait for a green card can be troublesome.
So does that justify a 100 year wait for eb2? Then why have eb2. Remember a large percentage of eb2 have masters in a STEM field.
Would you say the same if eb1 for india was a decade wait? Because it is trending that way. This is all just casual racism.— Krish (@qrmy6tjyrj) July 5, 2023
The current scenario raises questions about fairness and its impact on attracting and retaining talented individuals. Lengthy green card wait times create uncertainty for individuals and impede the competitiveness and innovation potential of the US economy.
https://twitter.com/PhdCaps/status/1675971590993899523?s=20
The challenges faced by highly skilled Indian professionals have broader implications for the Indian diaspora in the United States. Many individuals have built their lives and careers in the country, contributing to its growth and development.
Recognizing the valuable contributions of skilled individuals, policymakers should prioritize efficiency, fairness, and a timely pathway to permanent residency and citizenship. Striking a balance between the needs of the US economy and the aspirations of talented professionals is crucial to foster a thriving environment that promotes innovation and growth.