Immigration – US Lawmaker Urges Faster Visa Processing and Fairer Green Card System
Immigration –Skilled immigration supports economic growth and workforce development – The United States should modernize its immigration process to better meet the growing demand for highly qualified professionals, according to Indian-American Congressman Shri Thanedar. Speaking in an exclusive interview with IANS, the Michigan Democrat said that improving visa processing times and removing country-based green card restrictions would help businesses fill critical talent gaps while strengthening the American economy.
Call for Faster Visa Approvals
Thanedar said the current immigration system often delays the arrival of skilled professionals who are needed across several industries. He argued that reducing visa processing times and ending country-specific green card limits would allow employers to access the talent required to remain competitive.
According to the Congressman, businesses across the country continue to report shortages of qualified workers, particularly in specialized technical and scientific fields. He believes that updating immigration policies would benefit both employers and the broader economy by supporting innovation and job creation.
Demand for Skilled Professionals Continues
Discussing conversations with business leaders, Thanedar said executives, including those in Silicon Valley, frequently raise concerns about the difficulty of hiring highly skilled employees. He noted that companies in sectors such as technology, research, engineering, healthcare, and science depend on professionals with advanced expertise, many of whom come from overseas.
He added that while the United States should continue investing in education and workforce development for its own citizens, the country still requires skilled immigrants until enough domestic workers are available to meet industry demand.
Immigrants Play a Key Role in Economic Growth
Thanedar emphasized that immigrants have made lasting contributions to the country’s development in areas ranging from scientific research to technological innovation. He said their work has helped businesses expand, strengthened the national economy, and supported employment opportunities for Americans.
The Congressman also pointed to the achievements of Indian-American entrepreneurs, saying they reflect the determination and entrepreneurial spirit that many immigrants bring to the United States. Their businesses, he said, have contributed to economic activity in communities across the nation.
Concerns Over Anti-Immigrant Sentiment
During the interview, Thanedar expressed concern about what he described as increasing negative attitudes toward immigrants. He said he is working in Congress to promote greater recognition of the contributions made by immigrant communities and to encourage policies that reflect their role in the country’s success.
He stressed that immigration has historically been an important part of America’s growth and that skilled professionals continue to make meaningful contributions across multiple sectors.
Importance of Indian Professionals in Technology
Highlighting the technology industry, Thanedar said Indian professionals have become an essential part of the American innovation ecosystem. He noted that many technology companies rely on highly qualified engineers, researchers, and software experts from India to support growth and maintain global competitiveness.
His remarks come as the United States prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of its independence, a milestone he said offers an opportunity to recognize the contributions of immigrants in shaping the nation’s progress.
Green Card Backlog Remains a Challenge
Under current US immigration rules, employment-based permanent residency visas are subject to annual country-specific limits. Because India accounts for a large number of highly skilled professionals working in the United States, applicants from the country often experience some of the longest waiting periods for employment-based green cards.
Thanedar maintained that reforming these policies would create a more efficient immigration system while helping businesses secure the skilled workforce needed to support economic growth and future innovation.