Gandhigiri works magic for Indians seeking green card

New Delhi: The magic of 'Gandhigiri' has worked for thousands of Indians seeking the US green card.

The US authorities have reversed their decision to limit permanent residency to high-skilled foreign workers and will accept applications from foreign professionals seeking permanent residency through an expedited process.

A lot more green card aspirants -- perhaps up to 200,000, will be accommodated under the US immigration law now. Lifting the freeze announced for the year.

The US Immigration Department said it will now process green card applications received till August 17.

"After consulting with USCIS, the Department of State has advised that Bulletin #107 (dated June 12) should be relied upon as the current July Visa Bulletin for purposes of determining employment visa number availability, and that Visa Bulletin #108 (dated July 2) has been withdrawn," the USCIS said in a statement.

Affected Indians had launched a unique protest inspired by the movie Lage Raho Munnabhai. They had sent thousands of flowers to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Emilio Gonzalez on July 10.

"I am committed to working with Congress and the State Department to implement a more efficient system in line with public expectations," Gonzalez was quoted by news agency PTI as saying.

(With inputs from PTI)

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