President Biden released his proposed U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021 just before his inauguration on January 20, 2021. The proposed legislation is meant to provide a pathway to U.S. citizenship of 8 years, to include a period of lawful temporary status (5 years), permanent residency (3 years), and then naturalization for those who qualify. It also includes special provisions for Dreamers.
The bill sets up offices in Central America to try to serve refugees who have been displaced. It also eliminates or allows waivers for some of the strictest immigration provisions, including the 3- and 10- year bars that prevent individuals who have overstayed in the U.S. and then traveled from being eligible for residency, and the requirement to file for asylum within one year of arriving in the U.S. or be barred from that form of protection.
President Biden is also expected to release several Executive Orders to reverse some of the most restrictive Trump policies.
Knudson & Associates is reviewing the proposed legislation and will continue advising clients on legal options available today, and how to prepare for possible new options going forward.
Please remember that this legislation is not law until it is passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate and signed by the President. It may undergo changes and there is no guarantee it will pass. Still, this stands as a bright ray of hope toward more inclusive policy that will grow our economy and benefit our communities over the next several years.