US Launches 5-Year Employment Cards to Aid Indian Green Card Aspirants

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently unveiled a groundbreaking policy, extending the validity period of Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) to five years for specific non-citizens, including those in the queue for permanent residency, commonly known as green cards. This move is poised to significantly benefit the Indian community in the United States, among others.

With the changes, applicants for asylum or withholding of removal, adjustment of status under INA 245 (Immigration and Nationality Act), and suspension of deportation or cancellation of removal, will now enjoy an extended EAD validity period, as announced by the USCIS.

This crucial update from the federal agency intends to curtail the influx of renewal applications for EADs in the upcoming years, thereby facilitating a streamlined process and alleviating the existing backlog and processing times.

However, it’s important to note that the duration of employment authorization remains contingent upon the individual’s underlying status and specific circumstances, as clarified by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services. Should the basis of the initial application change, the employment authorization might be subject to termination before the EAD’s listed expiration date.

The recent announcement comes at a pivotal juncture, with a recent study shedding light on the staggering number of Indian immigrants awaiting green cards. The study, conducted by David J Bier of the esteemed Cato Institute, underscores the challenges faced by over 10.5 lakh Indians in the employment-based Green Card queue, with a significant risk that 4 lakh individuals might pass away before receiving the long-awaited permanent residency.

A green card, also known as a Permanent Resident Card, signifies an individual’s lawful permanent resident status in the US, granting them the privilege of living and working permanently in the country. However, the per-country caps on green card issuance have led to an unprecedented backlog, with the study highlighting India’s substantial share of the backlog, amounting to a staggering 63% of the total cases.

As the US takes a step forward in addressing the concerns of its immigrant population, particularly those eagerly anticipating permanent residency, this policy adjustment underscores the nation’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive and efficient immigration system, emphasizing the importance of providing stability and opportunities for aspiring individuals seeking to contribute to the diverse fabric of American society.

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