This is ground zero of the Biden administration, and with it comes some high hopes that immigration reform is on the way.
If you are an immigrant living here in Lancaster, it is important to stay abreast of any changes that could potentially affect your status here in the United States.
Immigration bill to give undocumented immigrants new route to citizenship
The Biden administration just revealed plans for a sweeping new immigration bill that, among other things, will give roughly 11 million undocumented immigrants who are living and working in the United States already a real chance at legal citizenship.
There are many undocumented immigrants in this country who live quiet lives, hoping to avoid notice by the authorities as they support their families and aim for a better life. Under the proposed bill, any undocumented immigrant living in the United States on Jan. 1, 2021, would gain a five-year path to “Green Card” status.
Those approved for this five-year path would have to pass background checks, pay taxes and meet some other requirements that are not yet clearly specified. Once they receive their green card, however, they would have a three-year road to naturalization.
Certain immigrants would have an even faster track toward citizenship, including agricultural workers and those who have been classified as “Dreamers.”
This bill does not address many other areas of immigration
There are plenty of other areas of immigration that need to be examined, and reforms may not come easy. That may be why this bill is so narrowly tailored and addresses such a specific set of people.
One thing is for certain: The immigration process is once again in flux. More than ever, it’s wise to seek legal assistance no matter what your immigration concerns may be.