According to US government data, more than one million skilled Indians are currently stuck in the backlog of green cards.
Data from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) shows that highly skilled Indian professionals are facing decades-long waits to obtain permanent residence. In America this permanent residence is called Green Card.
A study of data by the National Foundation for American Policy (NFAP) found that more than 12.6 lakh Indians, including their dependents, are waiting for green cards in the employment-based first, second and third categories. These long waits are not only having a profound impact on the lives of these individuals and their families but also hindering America’s ability to attract and retain top talent.
What does the data say?
First Priority: USCIS data provides information on immigrant petitions approved through November 2, 2023. Based on this, the think tank calculated the estimated backlog in the top three employment-based immigration categories. According to USCIS, there are 51,249 applicants in first priority who are waiting for their green cards. This category is called EB-1. NFAP estimates that these core applicants are joined by 92,248 dependents, bringing the total backlog number to 143,497.: USCIS data provides information on immigrant petitions approved through November 2, 2023. Based on this, the think tank calculated the estimated backlog in the top three employment-based immigration categories. According to USCIS, there are 51,249 applicants in first priority who are waiting for their green cards. This category is called EB-1. NFAP estimates that these core applicants are joined by 92,248 dependents, bringing the total backlog number to 143,497.
Also read: Pakistan blocks X on temporary basis over ‘National security’
