The green card issuance backlog in the United States has reached 1.2 million, significantly affecting immigrant applicants, particularly from India.
Due to restrictions implemented during the Trump administration, only 140,000 green cards can be issued each year, with 7% allocated to any single country.
Indian applicants now face an average wait time of 179 years for a green card, while Chinese applicants wait around 25 years.
In contrast, applicants from smaller countries, such as the Philippines, may wait only a few months for their green cards.
Those applying for EB-1 green cards, meant for individuals with "extraordinary ability," can expect wait times of about four to five years for Indian nationals and five years for Chinese nationals.
Stuart Anderson from the National Foundation for American Policy highlighted the challenges faced by skilled immigrants wishing to become Americans and the long wait times involved.
Many green card applicants are transitioning from H-1B work visas, which have also faced new restrictions.
Kevin Lynn from the Institute for Sound Policy criticized the H-1B visa system for creating a backlog and impacting American innovation, suggesting that those wishing to avoid the backlog should reconsider immigrating to the U.S.
The current green card backlog serves as a significant barrier for many hopeful immigrants, particularly from large countries, highlighting the complexities and challenges of legal immigration to the U.S.
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