USA

President Biden’s New Immigration Bill 2021 Gives Indians A Reason To Cheer

There are currently over 2 lakh Indians in queue for American citizenship. For them and thousands others contemplating migration, Biden’s new immigration bill 2021 is a reason to cheer. This comes after President Biden signed a number of executive orders reversing the last administration’s immigration policy.

Read: Curbs On H-1B Visa Removed – Can The Indian IT Sector Benefit From Biden’s Decision?

New Immigration Bill 2021 – Key Takeaways

8-Year Path To Citizenship

The new immigration bill 2021 outlines a 8-year path to citizenship for the almost 11-million unauthorized people in the USA. The bill proposes a 5-year green card path for people living in the USA without legal status as of 1^st January ,2021 as long as they pass background checks, pay their taxes and fulfil a few other basic requirements.

This would be followed by a 3-year path to naturalization. Interestingly, there are many immigrants already paying taxes though they do not have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number and are ineligible for Social security benefits.

The Plan Accounts For

DACA Dreamers
Individuals with Temporary Protected Status
Immigrant farmworkers
Widows, orphans and children
Filipino veterans who fought with American soldiers in World War II
Foreigners who have assisted US troops
Immigrants with approved family-sponsorship positions
Asylum seekers
Other vulnerable populations

Read: How Indians Are Immigrating Via Golden Visa Programs

New Immigration Bill 2021 – Legal Status For DACA Dreamers

The process to gaining legal status could be much quicker for DACA dreamers. This refers to young people who entered the USA illegally as children.

If they hold temporary protective status, these people may qualify for immediate green cards. To be eligible, they would also need to prove that they are in school or working and fulfil a few other requirements.

Other Changes In Immigration Law

In addition to citizenship, the new immigration bill 2021 l also talks of simplifying restrictions for people coming to the USA. It seeks to easing the process for family-based immigration. Thus, H1B visa holders may find it easier to get their spouses and children to the USA with them.

It also mentions expanding worker visas to enable more foreigners to enter the USA and work here. There may also be an increase in the per-country limits.

Read: H1B Visa Process Of Selection To Be Amended

What Happens Next?

To become a law, the bill needs to be passed by Congress. This may not be easy as there is a lot of resistance to the changes. Indians on the Green card waitlist and those hoping to bring their family to live with them are hoping it passes soon.