Can Indians Benefit From Trump’s Green Card Suspension?

In June this year, President Trump signed an executive order to suspend the issuing of new green cards till the end of the year.  Trump’s Green Card Suspension was done to protect jobs for American citizens and fight against growing unemployment rates.

A number of people protested the order but analysts say that it could be beneficial for Indians waiting for employment-based green cards.

What’s The Connection?

A limited number of green cards are issued every year. This is categorized under various headings such as family-based green cards, employment-based green cards, etc.

At the end of the fiscal year, unused family-based green cards are rolled over to the next fiscal year. The new fiscal year starts on October 1, 2020.

With Trump’s Green Card suspension and ban on issuing new green cards for this year, the number of rolled-over green cards available next year will be higher than normal.

Immigration experts are expecting around 110,000 green cards to be rolled over. As a result priority dates for immigrants in the final stages of their process is likely to be advanced.

Trump’s Green Card Suspension – How Does This Help Indians?

Apart from a limit on the number of green cards issued each year, there is also a limit on the number of green cards issued to citizens of a single country. In one fiscal year, no more than 7% of the total green cards issued may be awarded to citizens of 1 country.

Trump’s Green Card suspension helps the USA ensure diversity in its immigrant population. This means that only 5,000-7,000 Indians can get a green card each year. However, there are currently over 300,000 Indian applicants for permanent residency in the USA. The backlog for Indians is the highest amongst all nationalities.

What’s interesting to note is that when family-based green cards are rolled over to the next fiscal year, they are not bound to be allocated according to the 7% rule. Thus, many more Indians may receive a green card in the next fiscal year.

Also See

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• Indian Companies In Top 10 H1B Visa Application