White House Commission Recommends New Green Card Processing System

A White House Commission has recommended issuing employment authorization cards and travel documents at the preliminary stage of the Green Card application process. This would benefit hundreds of thousands of foreign professionals, including many Indian Americans.

A White House Commission has recommended issuing employment authorization cards and other necessary travel documents at the preliminary stage of the Green Card application processing system. The recommendation, if accepted by President Joe Biden, would provide relief to hundreds of thousands of foreign professionals, a majority of whom are Indian Americans, who currently face decades-long wait times for Green Cards.

Current Green Card Process

A Green Card, officially known as a Permanent Resident Card, is a document issued to immigrants to the US as evidence of their permanent residency. The Green Card application process involves multiple stages, starting with employers filing I-140 applications. The next important step is the adjustment of status called I-485, at which point applicants currently receive their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and Advance Parole travel documents. These documents allow individuals to work for any employer and travel abroad while their Green Card application is being processed.

The Recommendation

During a recent meeting of the White House Commissioner for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Affairs, Indian American community leader Ajay Jain Bhutoria moved a recommendation to grant EADs and travel documents to individuals who have approved I-140 employment-based visa petitions in the EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 categories. These individuals have been waiting in the visa backlog for five or more years, regardless of whether they have filed applications for adjustment of status. The validity of the EAD and travel documents would extend until their Green Card application is processed.

Addressing the Green Card Backlog

The recommendation aims to address the significant backlog of over 1.8 million Green Card applications, which primarily impacts individuals from AAPI countries such as China, the Philippines, and India. With a limited number of Green Cards issued annually, processing times can range from 5 to 20 years, and in some cases, even longer. Bhutoria emphasized that the current situation means many people may not receive their Green Cards within their lifetime.

Benefits of the Recommendation

The implementation of the recommendation would offer several benefits. It would provide workers with freedom of movement between employers, benefiting both workers and the economy. It would also facilitate travel through Advance Parole, reduce visa appointment backlogs at US embassies, and support individuals in caring for aging parents in their home countries. Additionally, it would address workforce shortages in critical areas like healthcare and STEM fields, bridging gaps in rural communities and providing coverage for specialized jobs.

Addressing Mental Health and Well-being

Bhutoria highlighted that the current system leads to mental health issues within AAPI communities due to uncertainty, the risk of job loss, and the potential need to leave the country. Workers often face discrimination and exploitation, as they are forced to remain with the same employer, often in the same position, for many years. The recommendation aims to mitigate these issues by ensuring fair and humane treatment, reducing wage stagnation, enhancing career opportunities, and reducing the burden of temporary status, leading to improved mental health and well-being for immigrants and their families.

Impact on the US Economy and Innovation

Bhutoria emphasized that the recommendation has the potential to bring about historic changes in the US immigration system, benefiting both the nation and highly skilled foreign-born individuals eager to contribute to the United States. By encouraging entrepreneurship, addressing workforce gaps, and promoting innovation, the United States stands to gain significant economic advantages, solidifying its position as a global hub for talent and innovation.

The White House Commission's recommendation to issue employment authorization cards and travel documents at the preliminary stage of the Green Card application process would provide much-needed relief to hundreds of thousands of foreign professionals, particularly Indian Americans. By addressing the Green Card backlog, promoting workforce mobility, and supporting innovation, the recommendation has the potential to bring about positive changes in the US immigration system, benefiting both individuals and the nation as a whole.