Green Card Gridlock Ends: Senate Passes Bill Eliminating Country Caps

WASHINGTON D.C. – In a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy, the Senate today passed Senate Bill S 368, effectively ending per-country limits on employment-based green cards. The bill, approved on April 1, 2025, marks a potential turning point for highly skilled foreign workers seeking permanent residency in the United States.

For decades, the U.S. has imposed a 7% per-country cap on the number of green cards issued annually, regardless of a country's population. This limit disproportionately impacted professionals from populous nations like India and China, leading to excruciatingly long waits, sometimes spanning decades. SB 368 seeks to dismantle this system, promising a more equitable and merit-based immigration process.

"This is a monumental step towards a fairer immigration system," stated Senator Emily Carter (D-CA), a key sponsor of the bill. "For too long, talented individuals have been stuck in limbo, unable to fully contribute their skills and expertise to our economy. This bill removes artificial barriers and allows us to attract and retain the best and brightest from around the world."