Millions of undocumented immigrants who have been in the United States for at least 10 years, in addition to ‘dreamers’ and people with TPS could see their “American Dream” fulfilled with the immigration reform of President-elect Joe Biden , titled “America’s Citizenship Act of 2021” (“United States Citizenship Act of 2021 ”).
This Wednesday, the first day of the Democrat’s government, the initiative will be sent to Congress and Democrats are ready to push it, in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic and as a way to recognize the work of the undocumented as essential workers.
“The bill provides workers who enrich our communities with all days and who have lived here for years, in some cases for decades, an opportunity to obtain citizenship “, indicates the plan that aims to modernize the immigration system. ” Create a path earned citizenship for our immigrant neighbors, colleagues, parishioners, community leaders, friends, and loved ones, including essential dreamers and workers who have risked their lives to serve and protect the American communities ”.
One of the officials who presented the project to journalists indicated that the rule of review of criminal past will be maintained for any process , that is, this benefit for undocumented persons would not apply to those who have committed crimes that would automatically disqualify them, but each case must be reviewed separately.
In case If approved in Congress, persons protected with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals ( DACA ) and Temporary Protected Status ( TPS ), they can apply for a “green card” immediately and, after three years, apply for citizenship.
In the case of the undocumented, they can apply licar for temporary residence, but five years later they will be able to apply for permanent residence.
“Create a roadmap won to citizenship for undocumented people” , indicates the plan. “It allows undocumented people to apply for temporary legal status, with the ability to apply for green cards after five years, if they pass security and criminal background checks, in addition to paying their taxes.”
Adds that after three years, all green card holders who pass additional background checks and demonstrate knowledge of English and civics will be able to apply to become citizens.
“Applicants must be physically present in the United States on January 1, 2021 ”, indicates the proposal.
There is even a way that the presence requirement can be waived for those deported in or after 20 January 2017, but who were physically in the US for at least three years.
A semantic change, but the bottom line is that the word “foreigner” will be changed to “no citizen dadano ”in immigration laws.
Protection of families
The plan seeks to prioritize the immigrant families, avoid their separation and ensure that they can go through a fair review system to obtain visas.
“The bill supports even more to families through the more explicit inclusion of permanent associations and the elimination of discrimination against LGBTQ + families ”, he indicates. “It also provides protection for Filipino orphans, widows, children, and veterans who fought alongside the United States in World War II.”
Visas for victims of violence or who collaborate in judicial investigations, in addition to guidelines to improve the immigration court system.
More visa lottery
The project seeks to eliminate guidelines based on discrimination by religion, in addition to increasing the number of the Diversity Visa Program from 55, 000 to 80, 000.
In addition to this, it aims to promote the integration and citizenship of immigrants and refugees.
“The law provides new funds to state and local governments, private organizations, educational institutions, community organizations and non-profit organizations, to expand programs to promote r integration and inclusion, increase English language instruction and provide assistance to people seeking to become citizens ”, says the project.
Strengthens surveillance and border
Although the construction of the border wall is halted, the immigration reform also includes improving surveillance systems, in order to reduce the trafficking of people, drugs and prevent the entry of terrorists.
“The legislation is based on record budget allocations for… the Secretary of DHS to develop and implement a technology plan to accelerate detection and improve capacity to identify narcotics and other contraband ”, indicates the project. “This includes high-performance scanning technologies to ensure that all commercial and passenger vehicles and rail freight traffic entering the United States.”
The use of advanced technology would be a priority, in order to detect illegal activities.
