Green Card Backlog and Indian Immigrants: Realities Faced by Those Seeking U.S. Citizenship
The green card backlog and Indian immigrants share a story of complexity with long waiting periods, maneuvering through H-1B visa processes, and legal and emotional challenges. For many, such promises of “opportunities and growth” in America come against years of anticipation, visa restrictions, and continued trials that test their resilience and keep hopes for U.S. permanent residency alive.
Opportunity or Obstacle? The H-1B Visa
For Indian professionals, the H-1B visa is an opportunity to work and live in the United States and eventually acquire a path to residency. This is an opportunity that may not be available in all cases because of an annual cap on H-1B visas, as well as a lottery system that can leave the most qualified candidates waiting for good or indefinitely. As Ajeet, who is an Indian immigrant who came to the United States the first time on an H-1B visa, realized, “The lottery system does not work for everybody.” Frustrated with the system that had thus far supported him, Ajeet decided to take matters into his own hands by opening a business himself—a business that could sponsor him for a visa.
According to Ajeet, the challenge of the seven percent cap on green cards per country, regardless of the size of the nation’s population, is another factor. This per-country limit entraps most Indian applicants, particularly those on H-1B visas, in a queue for green card approval that lasts for years. The backlog can stretch to decades for many. Such prolonged periods create uncertainty for professionals and their families.
Dependent Visas: A Strain on Families
Although the H-1B visa itself has its own set of challenges, the family scenario of H-4 dependent visa holders is as vulnerable or even more vulnerable. Spouses and children of H-1B recipients face many constraints that prevent them from employment, education, and social channels and involvement in American life. The inability to acquire work authorization compels many families to pursue only one line of income solely through the principal H-1B worker, thereby leaving financially strained and economically sideline-dependent on the spouse’s vocation.
Meeta, who has an H-4 visa, said the long process created so much emotional stress that she finally broke down with depression after years of having no professional choice. She was frustrated by the system and decided to make a documentary on the subject to bring light to the issues H-4 dependents are going through. According to Meeta, the permanent relief for H-4 visa holders should emerge, and the dependents would be allowed to work without any apprehension that they may lose their status.
Aging Out: Kids at a Crossroads of Futures
This is not only limited to the spouses but also stretches to the children, who end up aging out at 21 from dependent visa eligibility. Indian immigrant Rahael worries what will become of her 17-year-old daughter after she has aged out. If her family’s green card status goes unresolved, her daughter may no longer qualify as a dependent for an abode in the U.S., which would severely jeopardize her education and career opportunities. Such situations of aging out place young adults in a very difficult position and can mean losing years of hard work, relationships, and plans to build a life in America.
The Endless Green Card Backlog
The green card backlog is the biggest obstacle for Indian immigrants; it may run into decades thanks to the current annual cap and per-country limits. The backlog of Indian employment-based immigrants and applicants for a green card has reached almost one million according to the recent studies, where the waiting time has gone above 50 years in some cases. So, this kind of limbo forces Indian immigrants to hold on to a future uncertain and full of missed opportunities.
Immigration lawyer Sonal Sharma of a decade in New Jersey reported heartbreaking instances of families being lodged in this system. She remembers one client who lost the principal H-1B holder, and, as a result, her status was uncertain in comparison with those affected by the applicants. Such instances emphasize the need to reform the system without delay for the candidates as well as their family members who have been affected.
In Order to Live: An Untold Story of the Gulag
All this notwithstanding, many Indian immigrants remain hopeful and manage to navigate the complex U.S. immigration system. Priya, a marketing professional by occupation and active social media influencer, shares insight into the struggles of Indian families with the plight of immigration and advises and encourages others to carry on despite what they face. Her message holds true for the great resiliency and determination displayed by many Indian immigrants as they chase their dreams, no matter how hard the journey may be.
Priya and many others, however, believe that no one deserves to struggle this hard in order to just get stability. “The American dream should be accessible to everyone who works for this country,” Priya says, “and it shouldn’t be that high of a personal cost.
Conclusion
For Indian immigrants, the run to the American Dream is a patience marathon—the race of determination and resilience. Tackled together with the challenges of an H-1B visa cap, dependent visa restrictions, and the staggering backlog of green cards, the overall immigration process can be a nightmare. Indian immigrants hope for meaningful reform to the U.S. immigration system that recognizes their contributions and offers a clearer path toward citizenship and stability.
In reflection, lawmakers and policy formulators must answer these issues so that the U.S. remains a promising place for immigrants who contribute to its economy and culture. Until then, Indian immigrants will continue their American Dream quest, and they will hope that one day their journey will not be so arduous but rewarding instead.
