Immigration laws play a significant role in determining how people from different countries can enter and stay in the United States. With the recent changes in immigration laws, it is essential for immigrants and those who plan on traveling to the United States to be aware of these changes.
This article will provide you with insight into the new immigration laws, how they impact individuals who are considering migrating to the United States, and what you can do to navigate these laws without any issues.
What are the new immigration laws?
President Joe Biden, upon assuming office, signed numerous executive orders, indicating his administration’s goals and priorities. Among these orders are some that significantly impact immigration laws in the United States. Let’s take a detailed look at some of these laws.
1. The reversal of the Muslim travel ban.
In 2017, President Trump signed an executive order that banned travelers from seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the United States. President Biden has revoked this order. However, the travel restrictions placed on the affected countries remain. These restrictions include additional security measures such as enhanced background checks.
2. Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
The DACA program, which provides a pathway for Dreamers, young people brought to the US as children, has been reinstated. Those who were eligible for DACA when the program ended in 2017 and have yet applied for it can now apply. The Biden administration is also seeking to create a roadmap to citizenship for all undocumented immigrants.
3. Rollback of family separation policies
President Trump’s policy of separating families at the Mexico border was widely criticized, and the Biden administration has been working towards reuniting families separated under these policies.
4. Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
TPS provides temporary legal status to immigrants who cannot return to their home countries due to natural disasters, war, or other unsafe conditions. President Trump sought to end TPS for several countries but faced legal challenges. The Biden administration has announced that it will review these decisions and could potentially reinstate the TPS program for those affected.
5. Changes in asylum laws
The Trump administration implemented several changes to the asylum laws, making it harder for asylum-seekers to receive protection in the US. Biden’s administration has rolled back these changes and is also increasing refugee admissions.
These are just a handful of the recent changes in immigration laws under the Biden administration. Now that we’ve covered some key policies let’s take a more in-depth look at how these law changes impact individuals.
The impact on migration to the US
The impacts of these changes depend on various factors such as an individual’s current immigration status, country of origin, and the purpose of their visit. Here are some examples of how these new laws may affect travelers to the US.
1. Travel ban reversal
The travel ban reversal means that individuals from the Muslim-majority countries previously affected by the ban can now travel to the US provided they meet all other entry requirements. This change will positively impact Muslims countries such as Syria and Yemen, whose citizens had been barred from entering the US.
2. DACA reinstatement
Dreamers, those who were brought to the US as children, will benefit the most from the DACA reinstatement. The program provides them with some stability in their lives, allowing them to apply for employment and study. It should be noted, however, that DACA is still a temporary measure, and a more permanent solution is necessary.
3. Family separation policies
Undocumented immigrants can now breathe a sigh of relief as the Biden administration works towards reuniting families. While this law will not impact prospective immigrants, it provides a sense of compassion and fairness towards those that have already experienced undue suffering.
4. Changes in asylum laws
The changes in asylum laws may have the most significant impact on individuals seeking protection in the US. Under the Biden administration, some rules, such as the public charge rule, that made it harder for asylum-seekers have been reversed. While this creates some hope, it is still a challenging process to gain asylum in the US.
Navigating the new immigration laws
With so many changes in immigration laws, it can be overwhelming to navigate them without any problems. Here are some strategies to help you navigate these laws:
1. Stay informed
It is essential to stay informed on the latest immigration law changes, especially if you’re planning to travel to the US. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website is an excellent resource to learn more about US immigration laws.
2. Seek legal advice
If you’re unsure about how current immigration laws affect you, seeking advice from a legal professional could help you navigate the process. Many legal resources are available for those seeking legal advice and information about current immigration laws.
3. Be prepared for delays
Unfortunately, under the current immigration laws, many applicants may face unexpected delays. These delays could be due to many reasons, including the COVID-19 pandemic, a high volume of applications, or bureaucratic processes.
In conclusion, immigration laws are continually evolving, and it is essential to stay informed about these changes, especially if you’re planning to migrate to the US. President Joe Biden has rolled back some of the previous administration’s most controversial immigration policies, offering more hope for immigrants. However, seeking legal advice and being prepared for delays can help navigate these changes successfully. With these strategies in mind, you can smoothly navigate the US immigration system without encountering any issues.
People who are interested about the current immigration laws in place in the United States, whether for the purpose of moving to the country, maintaining a current residence in the country for a longer period of time, or addressing legal concerns arising from the immigration status of others, might refer to the official source of the US government agency which administers new immigration laws. In this regard, people may direct their queries and concerns to the US Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services.
The American political scene has been noted for concern over the current immigration laws in place for controlling the admittance of new immigrants into the country, in terms both of the legal entry of migrants and the issue of illegal immigration into the nation. In addition, prominent political figures, including President Obama and his predecessor President Bush, have expressed interest in having wide-ranging packages of new immigration laws passed through Congress. Political commentary has generally found that the current immigration laws are not meeting the current needs of the country in terms of the ability to control immigration.
According to surveys of current immigration laws discussion, the 2009 period in legislation saw 222 new immigration laws passed throughout the country, in addition the 131 resolutions adopted in 48 American states. A bill passed in Arizona has also been cited as focusing attention on the matter of current immigration laws. New immigration laws of this kind specifically function by granting new powers to law enforcement agencies and placing new restrictions on non-citizens in the country.
