Joe Biden will propose a Bill for the Naturalization of Immigrants

President-elect Joe Biden plans to unveil an immigration bill on the first day of his administration, hoping to provide a mechanism for the naturalization of around 11 million people living in the United States illegally., which represents a 180 degree turn from the harsh immigration policies implemented by the administration of President Donald Trump.

The initiative puts Biden on track to fulfill an important campaign promise that has relevance to Latino voters and other immigrant communities, following four years of restrictive policies and mass deportations by the Trump administration.

The proposal contemplates one of the fastest ways to obtain US citizenship for those who live in the country without any type of legal status in recent yearsBut it does not include the traditional commitment to increased border security favored by many Republicans, making it doubtful whether it will pass in Congress.

The bill is expected to be introduced after Biden is sworn in on Wednesday, according to a person familiar with the measure and who asked to speak on condition of anonymity to discuss it.

As a candidate, Biden called Trump’s actions on immigration a “relentless attack” on American values., and stated that it would “undo the damage” while keeping the border well guarded.

Hundreds of people, including the Latino community, celebrate Joe Biden’s victory in Miami, Florida (USA).
 

Under the proposal, those who lived in the United States until January 1, 2021 without legal status would have a five-year path to temporary legal status, or a permanent residence card, if they pass background checks, pay taxes. and they meet other basic requirements. From that point on, they have a three-year path to naturalize, if they decide to do so.

For some immigrants, the process would be faster. So-called “dreamers,” which are young people who came to the United States illegally as children, as well as farm workers and people under Temporary Protected Status, could qualify for a permanent residence card, also known as green card, if they are working, studying or meet other requirements.

The bill is not as broad as the last immigration reform proposed when Biden was vice president during the Barack Obama administration.

For example, it does not include a robust border security element, but rather requires strategizing. Nor does it create any new temporary worker programs or other visa programs.

It does address some of the causes of migration from Central America to the United States, and provides grants for the development of the workforce and learning the English language.

Hispanics from South Florida (USA) gathered this Saturday in Miami to celebrate the triumph of the Democratic candidate, Joe Biden, to the rhythm of salsa, after several days of anguish after learning that the state gave President Donald Trump his valuable 29 votes in the Electoral College.
 

Biden is expected to take swift executive action to reverse other Trump immigration actions, such as ending restrictions on the arrival of people from various predominantly Muslim countries.

During the Democratic primary elections, Biden repeatedly noted that action on immigration would be one of his priorities from the “first day” of his presidency, noting the variety of executive powers he could invoke to reverse Trump’s policies. .

Biden’s allies and even some Republicans have identified immigration as a major issue where the new administration could find common ground with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, and with enough senators from the Republican Party to avoid the stalemate that has been experienced in the governments of both parties for decades.

That kind of major victory, even if it includes giving in on some things, could be pivotal as Biden seeks legislative wins in a tightly divided Congress, where Republicans will almost certainly oppose other Biden priorities that involve removing some of the tax cuts implemented. in 2017 or the increase in federal spending.