US lawmakers have introduced The Dignity Act, a bipartisan bill aiming to overhaul the immigration system and significantly cut down Green Card wait times. If passed, it could be a game-changer for nationals from countries like India, where wait periods can stretch beyond 100 years due to per-country caps and application backlogs.
Fast-Track Route for Long Waiters
One of the most notable provisions proposes allowing individuals who have been in the legal immigration queue for 10 years or more to pay a premium processing fee of $50,000 (Rs 44 lakh) to move ahead in line. Additionally, the Act suggests doubling the per-country cap for family- and employment-based visas from 7% to 15%, reducing delays for applicants from larger countries.
Tackling Immigration Backlogs
The timing of the bill is crucial. According to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), case processing has slowed sharply, with a record-breaking 11.3 million pending applications by the end of Q2 FY2025. USCIS completed only 2.7 million cases in that quarter — an 18% drop from last year. The backlog has grown by 1.6 million in just three months, with over 34,000 cases still unopened.
Additional Provisions
The Dignity Act also addresses other long-standing issues:
- Preventing children legally present in the US from “aging out” due to USCIS delays.
- Launching a Dignity Program, a 7-year earned legal status track for undocumented immigrants, allowing them to live and work legally with renewable status based on good conduct and restitution.
- Easing annual visa limits — currently 226,000 family-sponsored and 140,000 employment-based visas — to better match demand.
A Potential Lifeline for Indian Applicants
For Indian nationals stuck in decade-long queues, the proposed premium option and increased per-country caps could fast-track their journey to lawful permanent resident status. Supporters argue it will make the system fairer and more efficient, while critics may raise concerns over affordability and prioritization.
If approved, The Dignity Act of 2025, introduced by Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar and Congresswoman Veronica Escobar with 20 co-sponsors, could mark the most significant immigration reform in years.
Summary (60 words)
The Dignity Act of 2025 aims to cut US Green Card wait times by allowing applicants in the queue for over 10 years to pay $50,000 for priority processing. It also proposes raising per-country visa caps to 15% and launching programs to prevent “aging out” delays. If passed, it could benefit thousands, especially from India.
