US Senate blocks immigration reforms

Key provisions pertaining to US citizenship for Indians in the ongoing Budget reconciliation bill are unlikely to be cleared as the Senate Parliamentarian rejected the push by Democrats. The reason cited for rejection is that this was a change to immigration policy which ‘substantially outweighs the budgetary impact of the change.’ This comes a week after the House of Representatives clearing the bill. This move will hit Indians in the US, primarily H-1B visa holders, who are waiting for their green cards.

“I am deeply disappointed in the Parliamentarian’s decision tonight, but the fight for immigration reform will continue. Senate Democrats have prepared an alternative proposal for the Parliamentarian’s consideration in the coming days,” commented Senator Dick Durbin. Had this provision been cleared, it would have impacted nearly 200,000 legal immigrants in the US who are in line for a greencard. The reform would have expedited the process of becoming a US citizen.