A new immigration proposal introduced in the US Senate could create a pathway to permanent residency for millions of long-term immigrants, including many Indian professionals on H-1B visas who have spent years waiting for employment-based Green Cards. The legislation, known as the Renewing Immigration Provisions of the Immigration Act of 1929, seeks to update existing immigration rules and allow eligible immigrants who have lived continuously in the United States for at least seven years to apply for lawful permanent resident status. The bill was introduced by Democratic Senator Alex Padilla of California, who said the proposal aims to modernise an immigration provision that has remained largely unchanged since 1986.
According to Padilla’s office, the measure could benefit more than eight million people who have established lives, careers, and families in the United States but lack a direct route to permanent residency. Padilla said the legislation was intended to address the uncertainty faced by long-term immigrants, particularly amid stricter immigration policies under President Donald Trump’s administration. He argued that many immigrants contribute significantly to the US economy and communities but continue to face prolonged uncertainty over their future status.
"Congress cannot continue to ignore millions of long-term residents who contribute to our economy and communities every day," Padilla said, adding that the country’s immigration system needs reforms to create a fair pathway to lawful permanent residency. Under the proposed legislation, immigrants who have lived continuously in the US for at least seven years would become eligible to apply for a Green Card if they meet existing requirements. Applicants would need to maintain a clean criminal record and satisfy other eligibility conditions under current immigration laws.
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The proposal could have particular significance for Indian H-1B visa holders, many of whom face lengthy backlogs while waiting for employment-based Green Cards. Due to annual country-based limits on employment immigration, thousands of Indian professionals have remained in temporary visa status for years despite having established careers and families in the US. The bill would also cover several other categories of long-term residents, including Dreamers, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders, essential workers, and children of individuals who have held long-term visas. Supporters argue that these groups have made significant contributions to American society and deserve a more stable immigration pathway.
However, the chances of the legislation becoming law remain uncertain. The proposal faces political challenges in Congress, where Republican lawmakers have generally supported stricter immigration enforcement measures rather than expanded pathways to permanent residency. The debate comes amid broader disagreements in Washington over the future of US immigration policy. While Democrats have pushed for reforms that provide legal status to long-term residents and skilled workers, Republicans have focused on border security and tighter restrictions on immigration.
For Indian H-1B professionals, the bill could potentially address one of the biggest challenges in the US employment-based immigration system: long waiting periods for permanent residency. Many skilled workers, particularly those from countries with high demand for Green Cards, have faced delays lasting several years due to existing quotas. If passed, the legislation would represent a major shift in how the US handles long-term immigration cases. However, the bill must clear both chambers of Congress and receive presidential approval before it can become law. Until then, millions of immigrants awaiting permanent residency will continue to depend on existing visa rules and immigration processes.
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