In a concerning revelation, a recent analysis by the libertarian think tank, the Cato Institute, has shed light on the dire predicament faced by over 400,000 Indian workers in the United States who are hoping to obtain employment-based green cards. The startling finding? A staggering 134-year wait.
Backlog Woes: The root cause of this astonishing backlog can be traced to the U.S. government’s annual cap of 140,000 employment-based visas, coupled with the 7% per-country limit. As a result, a backlog of 1.8 million cases has accumulated, with a significant majority of 1.1 million stemming from India.
March 2023 Snapshot: As of March 2023, the numbers paint a grim picture: 80,324 employment-based petitions languish in the backlog, comprising 171,635 applicants—this figure includes spouses and minor children. An additional 1.3 million people are placed on a waiting list, while 289,000 are in the process of adjusting their status. Some hopeful immigrants are also waiting for their visas to be processed at consulates and embassies abroad, though the exact count remains undisclosed by the State Department. It’s worth noting that there might be some overlap in the backlog due to multiple petitions filed on behalf of the same individual.
Categories in Crisis: The majority of the backlog falls under the EB-2 category, intended for workers with advanced degrees, while 19% are categorized under EB-3, which includes employees with bachelor’s degrees. The EB-4 category, housing “special immigrants” such as Afghan and Iraqi interpreters, accounts for approximately 13%, and EB-5 major investors make up 6% of the cases.
The Overwhelming Indian Majority: India bears the brunt of this backlog crisis, accounting for an overwhelming 63% of the 1.8 million cases. China follows with nearly 250,000 cases, constituting 14% of the backlog. The Northern Triangle countries of El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala contribute almost 10%, primarily within the EB-4 special immigrant category.
An Astonishing Wait: For new applicants from India in the EB-2 and EB-3 categories, the backlog translates into an astonishing 134-year wait. Shockingly, Cato estimates that approximately 424,000 employment-based applicants may pass away while awaiting their green cards.The situation calls for urgent attention and reform to address the immense backlog and ensure a more equitable and efficient immigration system.
The plight of these aspiring immigrants underscores the need for comprehensive immigration reform that takes into account the contributions and aspirations of those who have made America their home.
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