In a bipartisan effort, three influential congresswomen, including Indian-Americans Raja Krishnamoorthi and Pramila Jayapal, have introduced HR 6542, the Immigration Visa Efficiency and Security Act of 2023. The bill aims to address the backlog of green cards and eliminate country-based discrimination for employment-based visas.
Key provisions of HR 6542
The legislation seeks to boost the U.S. economy and improve global competitiveness by dismantling the seven percent per-country cap on employment-based immigrant visas.
At the same time, the bill proposes to increase the limit of seven visas per country for family-sponsored visas to 15 percent. These measures are anticipated to significantly reduce the green card backlog.
Jump to
- Key provisions of HR 6542
- Impact on American Indians
- Congressman Krishnamoorthi’s perspective
- Understand the employment-based visa system
- Gradual system to alleviate delays
- Strengthen the H-1B program and address the backlog
Impact on American Indians
If passed and signed into law, the bill would alleviate the decades-long wait for green cards faced by many Indian-Americans. By focusing attention on merit rather than place of birth, the legislation aims to streamline the immigration process, allowing highly skilled workers to more effectively contribute to the nation’s growth.
Congressman Krishnamoorthi’s perspective
Congressman Krishnamoorthi emphasized the need to end country-based discrimination for employment-based immigrant visas. He expressed his pride in collaborating on this bipartisan initiative, highlighting the potential to strengthen the economy and workforce while addressing visa delays.
Understand the employment-based visa system
unpack
The bill addresses the inherent limitations of the employment-based visa system, which currently allocates visas based on the applicant’s country of birth. Despite starting out as a merit-based system, the assignment process is disconnected from merit or skills, making it difficult to establish qualified workers as contributing members of American society.
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Gradual system to alleviate delays
The proposed legislation establishes a graduated system to ease the backlog for people who wait longer. Drawing a parallel to the Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act, the bill phases out the seven percent per-country cap on employment-based immigrant visas. In addition, it extends the transition period to nine years, ensuring an inclusive approach.
Strengthen the H-1B program and address the backlog
In addition to addressing the green card backlog, the bill improves the H-1B temporary visa program. It also introduces an option for people with backlogged immigrant visas to apply for a two-year green card, with approval subject to visa availability.
This legislative initiative reflects a concerted effort to reform the immigration system, promoting justice, efficiency and meritocracy.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn