Biden Takes on Immigration Reform on Day 1

Joe Biden has sent a legislative proposal to the US House of Representatives asking them to enact legislation addressing a host of legal immigration issues, as one of his first initiatives after taking office. Some of these changes will include the implementation of a pathway to citizenship for undocumented individuals, a proposed resolution to the visa backlog for temporary workers, as well as an attempt to reduce backlogs in the family sponsorship category of visa immigrants. The Biden administration had also reversed the infamous Trump “Muslim ban” on day 1 of the presidency.

This new initiative is a refreshing development at a time when many other countries are doubling down on more restrictive policies. The new rules could provide much needed relief to many workers, foreign business people, families, and undocumented individuals both inside and outside the United States. A new pathway to citizenship could also provide undocumented migrants with some much needed stability. With a clear attempt by the government to resolve many old and unsolved problems in Immigration law, migrants may be cautiously optimistic. Therefore, the new proposal could have healthy economic implications for the US market, and could also signal that the United States is back “open” for business. With more clarity and stability in Immigration policy, foreign workers, investors and business people may be encouraged to invest more time, effort and funds into the United States economy.

However, one issue that is not clearly addressed in the Biden proposal is whether there will be any pathway to citizenship for professionals and economic migrants. It is likely that this issue will figure prominently in the debates that will take place in the House of Representatives and then the Senate, when this bill is considered by the United States legislature.

The passage of a new law may take months if not years, but it is a positive sign that things may become easier for foreign workers, business people, undocumented individuals and immigrants, who look to the United States for future opportunities and a better life.

To discuss your pathway to the United States or Canada, get in touch with us at info@borderlesscounsel.com