US eases norms on eligibility criteria for green cards.
US eases norms on eligibility criteria for green cards.
Ahead of PM Modi’s visit to US from June 21-24, the Biden administration has eased norms by releasing policy guidance on the eligibility criteria for those waiting for green cards to work and stay in America.
The visit also includes an address to the Joint Session of the Congress on June 22.
Notably, the guidance issued by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) apropos eligibility criteria for initial and renewal applications for Employment Authorisation Document (EAD) in compelling circumstances is expected to help thousands of Indian technology professionals who are in the arduous wait for a Green Card or permanent residency.
A Green Card, recognised officially as a Permanent Resident Card, is a document issued to immigrants to the US as evidence that the bearer has been granted the privilege of residing permanently.
The USCIS guidance outlines specific requirements to be met by the applicants for eligibility for an initial EAD based on compelling circumstances.
These include being the principal beneficiary of an approved Form I-140, being in valid non-immigrant status or authorised grace period, not having filed an adjustment of status application, and meeting certain biometrics and criminal background requirements.
Further, USCIS will exercise discretion to determine whether an applicant demonstrates compelling circumstances justifying the issuance of employment authorisation.
According to Ajay Bhutoria, a prominent community leader and advocate for immigrant rights, these measures are of importance towards supporting individuals facing challenging situations and ensuring their ability to work lawfully in the United States.
The focal point of these measures for individuals and their dependents who find themselves in challenging situations such as serious illness or disability, employer disputes or retaliation, significant harm, or disruptions to employment.
Bhutoria further presented non-exhaustive list of qualifying circumstances, as provided by USCIS, offers individuals an opportunity to present evidence supporting their case.
Individuals with approved immigrant visa petitions in oversubscribed categories or chargeability areas may submit evidence like school or higher education enrollment records, mortgage records, or long-term lease records to demonstrate compelling circumstances.
Mr Bhutoria added this provision can prove crucial in situations where families face the potential loss of their home, withdrawal of children from school, or the need to relocate to their home country due to job loss.
Foundation of India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS), which has been advocating for laid-off H1-B workers, applauded USCIS for taking such a step that would help a large number of Indian IT professionals.
According to Khanderao Kand from FIIDS, he feels proud that a sustained advocacy for more than six months started reflecting in considerations and adjustments by USCIS,” said Khanderao Kand from FIIDS.
News input KV Raman
