Indian nationals to benefit from immigration reform bill passed by US house

The US House of Representatives has cleared the Build Back Better Bill, which also includes significant immigration reform. Some of the proposed changes in the bill include a faster route to permanent residency and a clear pathway to citizenship for their dependents who currently age out and lose legal status on turning 21. Indians would be the biggest beneficiaries of this, given the long wait times they currently face for a green card or permanent residency. It is estimated that there are over 800,000 Indian nationals who are waiting for their green cards in the US. It also allows for unused green cards to be 'recaptured' and allows certain immigrants to reapply for their permits. The Bill was passed by a 220-213

The Bill now has to be cleared by the US Senate before it can be signed into law by US President Joe Biden. However, if the Bill comes into effect, it will result in fees for certain visa categories, including the H-1B visa going up. The Bill proposes a supplementary $500 charge for each H-1B visa petition, as well as additional charges for a permanent residency permit and student visa.

"The House bill also includes critical improvements to our immigration system to help individuals and employers who have been stuck in limbo for far too long finally obtain the security of permanent status in the United States," said Jorge Loweree, policy director at the American Immigration Council. “We urge the Senate to quickly debate and enact these important measures, and we look forward to working with the Biden administration to make sure they are a success. We will also keep fighting for a more permanent form of relief for those who have been waiting for too long."