Biden To Announce Major Overhaul Of Immigration Laws

On Day One of his administration, President-elect Joe Biden will announce an ambitious, extensive overhaul of immigration laws that will aim to provide a path to citizenship for nearly 11 million people living in the U.S. without legal status. From HuffPost:

Under the legislation, those living in the U.S. as of Jan. 1, 2021, without legal status would have a five-year path to temporary legal status, or a green card, if they pass background checks, pay taxes and fulfill other basic requirements. From there, it’s a three-year path to naturalization, if they decide to pursue citizenship.

For some immigrants, the process would be quicker. So-called Dreamers, the young people who arrived in the U.S. illegally as children, as well as agricultural workers and people under temporary protective status could qualify more immediately for green cards if they are working, are in school or meet other requirements.

Under Donald Trump, immigration laws have been curtailed to be harsh and restrictive and included massive deportations.

President-elect Joe Biden is readying legislation that would provide an eight-year path to citizenship for an estimated 11 million people living in the U.S. without legal status. It’s a sharp reversal from the Trump administration’s immigration policies.https://t.co/p1sEjKZid5

— The Associated Press (@AP) January 19, 2021

Lots of news re: Biden’s immigration plan he’ll send to Hill on Wed: 8-year path to citizenship, immediate green cards for Dreamers/TPS, lifting limits on key employment visas, big focus on combating root migration causes from Central America. My exclu: https://t.co/Zv83kL14nc

— Seung Min Kim (@seungminkim) January 19, 2021