How Biden’s Path to Citizenship Will Affect Immigration

The Driving Force Behind the Biden Immigration Reform

The Biden immigration reform bill pushes the majority of the president’s essential campaign promises regarding undocumented immigrants’ naturalization. During the primaries, President Biden referred to the Trump administration’s mass deportations and restrictive policies as an “unrelenting assault” against American values and said that he would continue to protect the border while making sweeping changes to improve the policies.

In fact, during the primaries, Biden promised the American people that reform on immigration policy would be one of his “first-day concerns” and that he would use whatever powers he needed to implement a lawful reversal of Trump’s policies. With the support of the Democrats, Biden’s proposal could provide the fastest path to lawful citizenship. However, it does not address additional security at the border between the U.S. and Mexico, which the majority of Republicans may require to pledge their support of the new plan.

Congress’s Reaction to Biden’s Pathway to Citizenship Plan

As anticipated, many Congress members are experiencing a mixed response to Biden’s plan that falls mainly along the party lines.

Despite the slim Democratic majority in both the Senate and the House of Representatives, the current Biden administration might find it difficult to pass the legislation. Democrats in the Senate would require all 50 members’ support to result in a tie with Republicans. Vice President Kamala Harris may then be able to break that tie. Democrats hold a majority of 222 to 211 bulk in the House, which may make it difficult to pass and apply the revisions.

Democratic Representative Linda Sánchez from California will lead the immigration legislation in the House, and Senator Bob Menendez of New Jersey will lead the effort in the U.S. Senate. Republicans were less excited to welcome the inbound president’s strategy. Arkansas Republican Senator Tom Cotton said Biden’s program was “extreme” and was one of the first to denounce his immigration efforts in America.

This has been a hotly debated topic in America for many years and could continue to divide the country. Rather than allowing the naturalization of many undocumented immigrants and even DACA children, some people would like to see those living in the country return back to their native nations.

Biden Green Card Modifications

Under the new proposition, undocumennted individuals without legal status living in the U.S. since Jan. 1, 2021, would be eligible for a temporary Biden Green Card for five years. If they fulfill requirements like passing background checks and paying taxes, they will be issued Green Cards and can start the three-year process of requesting citizenship.

After three years, all green card holders who were physically present in the U.S. on or before January 1, 2021, and who have demonstrated knowledge of English and U.S. civics can apply to become citizens.

Those who have already received a temporary legal immigration status through programs such as DACA and some farmworkers could immediately apply for permanent status.

A consultation with a local attorney at our immigration office in Georgia can help you understand and navigate the process of becoming a lawful permanent resident or a U.S. citizen.

Illegal Immigrants Pathway to Citizenship

For some undocumented immigrants, obtaining U.S. citizenship will be a quicker procedure. For example, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) receivers, otherwise known as “Dreamers,” agricultural laborers, and those in the temporary legal status program might be approved for permits instantly if they are working, remain in school, pay taxes, or satisfy other requirements.

Contact your lawyer to determine whether these stipulations pertain to your situation.

Stay Updated on the Progress of Biden’s Immigration Plan

If you are one of the undocumented immigrants who arrived in the U.S., you must stay updated on Biden’s immigration plan’s progress.

Of course, there are objections regarding this bill. Among other demands, these objections include that the legislation has to provide citizenship for undocumented individuals in the U.S. without exception, prioritize reunification with loved ones and family members, and ensure that legislation creating a pathway to citizenship does not increase immigration enforcement.

The citizens and representatives who oppose the bill should take time to realize that it is not as extensive as the major immigration revisions proposed during the Obama administration. It does not include a robust border security aspect but requests suggestions for new innovative techniques. It also does not introduce any new visa programs.

If you or a family member has been apprehended and confined in a Georgia immigration detention center, you should consult a local attorney. Jameel Manji of Manji Law, P.C. will have the latest updates on Biden’s Pathway to Citizenship and how it might affect your case.