U.S. President Joe Biden has introduced comprehensive immigration reform legislation that would grant an eight-year path to citizenship for most immigrants living in the U.S. without legal status as of January 1, 2021. This legislation would notably profit 50,000 younger individuals under the age of 21 whose parents are married to an American citizen. Reported by a BBC, these eligible individuals have three years to apply for permanent residence and will be eligible for a three-year work permit. The White House believes that these eligible individuals for the process have been in the U.S. for a median of 23 years, most of whom have been born in Mexico.
Additionally, the White House plans to make the visa process simpler and sooner for extremely skilled undocumented immigrants who have graduated from U.S. universities or who have received a job offer in their field.
On another note, U.S. President Joe Biden issued a proclamation under Immigration and Nationality Act sections 212(f) and 215(a) suspending entry of non-citizens who present a potential terrorism or public health risk. [2]
It is also worth noting that President Biden announced an executive action to protect about half a million undocumented spouses of American citizens from deportation. [3]
Lastly, at the start of June, American President Joe Biden issued a decree that closed the southern border of the U.S. to all immigrants except a couple of asylum seekers. However, this step was already taken by Donald Trump, but the courts blocked it in a couple of months. After four years of inactivity, closing the border a couple of months earlier than the elections would have been a spectacular political move, however, the function of the move also became clear to the voters.
New immigration bill passed today 2024
U.S. President Joe Biden recently introduced comprehensive immigration reform legislation that would provide a pathway to citizenship for many undocumented immigrants living in the United States. This legislation would enable most immigrants living in the U.S. without legal status as of January 1, 2021, to obtain citizenship within an eight-year period, provided they meet certain eligibility criteria. Notably, this legislation would benefit approximately 50,000 young individuals under the age of 21, whose parents are married to U.S. citizens.
This is a significant development in U.S. immigration policy, as it offers a more feasible route for many long-term residents of the United States to gain lawful status. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that this legislation is a part of President Biden’s broader efforts to reform the U.S. immigration system.
In addition to this legislation, President Biden has also implemented other immigration policies and programs to address different aspects of the complex U.S. immigration landscape. For instance, his administration has expanded humanitarian parole programs for refugees and migrants from specific countries, such as Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. Additionally, President Biden announced a humanitarian parole program to boost admissions of immigrants from these countries, while also implementing stricter vetting procedures for recipients.
Moreover, under the Biden administration, an immigration program has been restarted to admit migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, with an emphasis on heightened vetting processes for recipients. Programs targeting specific demographics, like the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, have also been given attention, aiming to create pathways to citizenship for recipients.
Lastly, as reported by credible news sources, this legislation comes as a welcome reform measure in the long-standing U.S. immigration policy landscape, suggesting a long-term approach toward immigration law reform, especially under the current administration and government.
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