Indian immigrants in the United States face a unique and challenging journey toward obtaining citizenship. As the second-largest immigrant group in the nation, they account for a significant portion of the foreign-born population. Despite their substantial presence, many Indians find themselves entangled in a web of bureaucratic hurdles, lengthy wait times, and evolving immigration policies. The situation is further complicated by a backlog in employment-based green card applications, leaving many in limbo about their future.
The United States' immigrant population includes a notable 3% of unauthorized individuals, with Indians ranking as the third-largest group of undocumented immigrants. As of 2022, approximately 725,000 undocumented Indians reside in the country. This demographic challenges existing immigration policies, as many seek legal status amidst strict regulations.
Indians receive a staggering 72% of H-1B visas annually, reflecting their prominence in specialized job sectors. Despite this, the path to permanent residency remains fraught with obstacles. Current US regulations stipulate that no more than 7% of green cards can be issued to individuals from any single country. This cap disproportionately affects Indian immigrants, who made up 62% of the employment-based backlog in 2023.
The waiting list for Indian applicants is extensive, with over 1.1 million individuals awaiting employment-based green cards. Those receiving green cards today applied as far back as 2012. The prospect for new applicants is even bleaker; it's estimated that 400,000 may pass away before obtaining permanent residency. David Bier succinctly highlighted this grim reality, stating,
"New Indian applicants face a lifetime wait, with 400,000 likely to die before getting a green card." – David Bier
The challenge extends beyond bureaucratic delays. Many Indians hold non-immigrant visas, with estimates from both the Cato Institute and the Migration Policy Institute placing this number at approximately 375,000. Despite these high numbers, they rank fifth among countries with non-immigrant visa holders in the US.
Cyrus Mehta points out a critical limitation within US law:
"US law has no provision for granting non-immigrant status to a person born here." – Cyrus Mehta
The Trump administration's executive order added another layer of complexity to this already arduous process. While it does not affect the ability of children of lawful permanent residents to obtain documentation of US citizenship, it raises concerns for many immigrant families.
Neha, an expecting mother, expressed her desire for a natural resolution to her family's citizenship status:
"I want the natural process to take its course," – Neha
Akshay, another individual facing similar challenges, emphasized the importance of his family’s well-being over citizenship concerns:
"My priority is a safe delivery and my wife's health. Citizenship comes second." – Akshay
However, he also highlighted the difficulties of coordinating travel and visa stamping as his family grows:
"We have been here for more than 10 years. As I see my parents getting older, it's very important for me to have citizenship. Traveling becomes tricky for us with coordinating visa stamping timings, and now with my baby it might be more difficult," – Akshay
Dr. Satheesh Kathula offers a cautionary perspective on the matter:
"In a country with strict medical laws, I strongly advise against preterm C-sections just for citizenship," – Dr. Satheesh Kathula
Yet, he acknowledges the vital role Indian immigrants play in the healthcare sector:
"Without them, healthcare would collapse. Now, they're in limbo about starting families," – Dr. Satheesh Kathula
The potential implications of stringent immigration policies loom large for future generations. Sneha Puri warns about the possible consequences:
"If enforced, none of their future US-born children would get citizenship," – Sneha Puri