House Democrats are optimistic about the Senate moving forward and approving an immigration bill that could create a pathway to naturalization for millions of illegal immigrants living in the United States. Both parties have struggled to pass a comprehensive immigration bill for many years. The last time a comprehensive bill was passed was in 1996. The last time a total bill was introduced was in 2013, including tighter border security and a pathway to naturalization for undocumented immigrants. The bill passed the Senate, but it did not pass the House.
Democrats plan to create an immigration reform called The American Dream and Promise Act. This legislation is different from what President Biden is currently working on (the U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021). The U.S. Citizenship Act would create a pathway for 11 million undocumented immigrants to apply for citizenship. It would make a shorter pathway for farm workers and recipients who came to the United States as children, known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). Both bills would leave some undocumented immigrants without the opportunity to receive legal status in the country.
In contrast to the U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021, The American Dream and Promise Act would allow DACA recipients the opportunity to have a conditional permanent status for ten years. The Act would also cancel removal (deportation) proceedings if applicants were 18 years old or younger when they initially entered the country. Applicants have to be physically present in the U.S on or before January 1, 2021, have not been convicted of sexual assault, domestic violence, or human trafficking. DACA recipients would gain their permanent resident status by completing at least two years in the military or obtaining a college degree.
The bill would also protect individuals who had or were eligible for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) on or before September 17, 2017. The bill would create a pathway for naturalization for TPS recipients. Individuals who have worked more than 180 days in agriculture for two years would be eligible to apply for a temporary status as Certified Agricultural Workers. Their children and spouses would be allowed to use it as well. However, this legislation is still a bill and is not the law yet. It needs to pass both the Senate and the House and then be signed by the President before it can become law.
If you have any questions regarding how this new bill may impact your case, please call Pikes Peak Immigration to schedule a consultation or meeting.