A recent USCIS data analysis revealed that over 1 million Indians face significantly longer wait times for US green cards compared to other nationalities, including China. This backlog is due to a combination of factors: a cap on green cards per country and a low annual quota.
The data highlights the plight of many highly skilled Indian professionals, such as doctors, engineers, and scientists, who are stuck in limbo for years, sometimes even decades, waiting for permanent residency.
The Backlog Grows
Reports indicate a staggering number of Indians – nearly 838,784 – are currently on the waitlist. This backlog has grown considerably in recent years, causing frustration and uncertainty.
A Forbes report cites a National Foundation for American Policy (NFAP) study that analyzed USCIS data as of November 2nd, 2023. The study found that over 1.2 million Indians are waiting for green cards in the top three employment-based preference categories (EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3). Notably, wait times for Indian applicants in these categories are significantly longer compared to applicants from other countries.
The report further states that “USCIS data from 2020 suggests the Indian backlog in the EB-2 category increased by over 240,000 (or 40%) in just three years.”
Why the Longer Wait for Indians?
One primary reason for the extended wait times for Indian applicants is the “per-country limit,” which restricts the number of green cards issued to individuals from a single nation.
Another factor is the higher likelihood of Indian applicants having spouses and children accompanying them. This, however, works against them as the current system prioritizes single applicants, leading to underrepresentation of dependents in the Indian applicant pool.
