US lawmakers propose green card bill for Hongkongers amid doubts

US lawmakers are advancing legislation that would create a pathway to permanent residency for Hong Kong residents currently in the United States. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon) and Representative James McGovern (D-Massachusetts) have introduced the Hong Konger Promise of Refuge Act. This bill seeks to allow eligible Hong Kong residents who have received Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) to apply for green cards and potentially citizenship.

The proposed legislation specifies that applicants must have been granted DED through presidential memorandums issued in August 2021, January 2023, or January 2025. Additionally, they must have resided continuously in the U.S. since January 15, 2025, without traveling to Hong Kong or China, and must not have serious criminal records. The bill also includes provisions for the spouses and children of qualifying individuals, waives certain immigration violations, and protects applicants from detention and deportation while their cases are pending.

Despite the legislative push, authorities and observers have expressed skepticism about the bill's chances of success, viewing it as a political gesture. The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress on September 30, 2026, and has been referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. Separately, a lawsuit filed by immigrant advocates challenges recent USCIS policies that they argue make it harder for immigrants already in the U.S. to obtain green cards without leaving the country, citing changes to adjustment of status processing.