In the News: Biden Plan for Immigration

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If you were looking at the recent election and thinking that a Biden Administration might make life easier for immigrants, you might just be right. Biden has announced he will be seeking to prioritize immigration in his first ten days in office.

He is already planning to introduce a bill that would create a path to a green card for 11 million immigrants currently classified as “illegal.” The bill would give permanent residents a right to pursue citizenship after an 8-year wait.

The bill would also extend DACA for four more years. The bill would also offer a “shorter pathway to citizenship” for DACA recipients. DACA recipients could become legal residents after 5 years, according to the new plan.

Some believe Biden will have trouble getting Republicans on board, and that he will have to make compromises to move forward with any immigration packages. They have not linked the immigration package to any security measures, which represents a departure from past efforts.

Unfortunately, until and unless this bill passes not much will be changing for immigrants without status, or DACA recipients. 

Still, the Trump administration already proved what sort of impact a president can have on immigration with or without Congress’ help, simply by setting agendas and policies for federal agencies. 

For example, Biden has said that they want to focus federal agencies on guns, drugs, and criminals rather than immigration status. 

Trump made over 400 alterations to immigration policy while he was in office.

Note that unraveling Trump’s policies will not be easy. 

“As Trump learned from his efforts to change direction from Obama-era immigration policies, such in the case of DACA for example, President-elect Biden will need to address the rationales behind policies like the travel and visa bans in order to undo them. This is disconcerting news not only in regard to so-called midnight regulations that have been introduced as the Trump presidency winds to an end, but also to his longer-standing policies as well. Like changing the course of a cruise ship at sea, when it comes to changing government policy, slow but steady seems the only way things can be done.” Forbes

The LA Times also predicts that if this bill does not pass then there would still be some pathways for some immigrants, such as Biden choosing to legalize the 5 million essential workers who are currently serving the American economy without any kind of status. 

Need help with your immigration status? Reach out to Hykel Law today. We may be able to provide options you haven’t thought about or help you protect yourself in an ever-shifting landscape of laws, regulations, policies, and public opinions. 

See also:

5 Steps to a Smoother Immigration Process

7 Ways to Get a Green Card

What Are Your Rights if ICE Agents are At The Door?

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Employment & Investment Visas

Although it often comes with controversy, immigration into the United States has always played a major role in the strength of its economy. Perhaps no one understands this more than the residents of Philadelphia, where the Liberty Bell still welcomes foreigners to one of the richest historical communities of our country.

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Not knowing or understanding the system and laws of the U.S. can be a disadvantage for many foreign immigrants who wish to obtain permanent residency in the United States, either for themselves or for their loved ones. Hykel Law’s Family-Based Immigration Services can lead you through the complicated process to achieve either temporary or permanent residency, depending on your situation.

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Deportation Defense

Are you afraid of deportation? If you are a foreign national involved in the beginning stages of removal proceedings, the deportation attorney at Hykel Law in Philadelphia can help prevent this unfortunate situation. We can evaluate your immigration case and find the best strategy to defend you from removal proceedings to help you stay in the United States.

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