In a significant move that could potentially benefit thousands of Indian-Americans eagerly awaiting their Green cards, the US President’s advisory commission has approved a recommendation to recapture more than 200,000 unused green cards for both family and employment categories since 1992. The commission’s decision comes as a response to bureaucratic delays in the Green Card application process and aims to provide relief to individuals who have been enduring extensive backlogs. The recapture of over 230,000 employment-based green cards from the years 1992 to 2022 signifies a crucial step forward in addressing the under-utilization of these visas.
As part of the initiative, a portion of the unused green cards will be processed each fiscal year in addition to the existing annual limit of 140,000 for this particular category. This proactive approach is intended to rectify the inefficiencies in the system and prevent future waste of valuable immigration resources. Ajay Bhutoria, an Indian-American entrepreneur and member of the advisory commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, expressed his support for the recommendation, highlighting the negative consequences of under-utilized green cards. He emphasized the adverse impact on individuals, families, and the US economy, stating that these unused visas represent missed opportunities and contribute to the growing backlog.
In addition to the recapture of unused green cards, the commission has also made recommendations to tackle other issues within the immigration system. Last December, they proposed actions to reduce significant wait times for visa appointments, aiming to address another key concern affecting immigrants and their families. Ajay Bhutoria praised these recent immigration updates, attributing them to the direct impact of the commission’s recommendations and the Biden administration’s commitment to creating more inclusive, efficient, and responsive immigration policies.
The changes reflect a dedication to supporting families and acknowledging the needs of diverse communities across the United States. Overall, the approval of recapturing unused green cards since 1992 represents a positive step towards addressing the long-standing backlog issue and streamlining the Green Card application process. This development provides hope for Indian-Americans and others waiting for their immigration status to be resolved, offering the potential for greater opportunities, stability, and contribution to the nation’s economy and society.