Last Thursday, Congress introduced a new immigration bill that ´proposes widespread immigration reform, including shortened processing times for family and employment-based visas and greencards. The highlights of the bill include:
Removing Backlogs, Shortening Processing Times for Family-Based Green Cards
The bill proposes clearing filing backlogs and removing lengthy wait times for family-based green cards for spouses, parents and children.
In addition, the bill proses a temporary status that would allow immigrants with approved I-130s to join their family members in the United States while they wait for green cards to become available.
Removing Backlogs, Shortening Processing Times for Employment-Based Visas and Green Cards
In addition, the proposed bill will remove employment-based visa backlogs, reduce long processing times, and eliminate the per-country visa caps.
Removing Three and Ten Year Admission Bars
The bill will remove these bars, which prevent certain individuals from entering the US if they have been unlawfully present in the US for more than 180 days (three year bar) or more than a year (10 year bar).
Increasing Available Diversity Visas (commonly known as the Green Card lottery)
The bill will increase the number of diversity visa lottery green cards issued each year from 55,000 to 80,000.
Providing a Pathway to Citizenship for Dreamers, TPS holders
The bill will allow Dreamers and TPS holders to immediately apply for green cards. After holding green cards for three years, these individuals will be eligible to apply for US citizenship.
Providing a Pathway to Citizenship for Undocumented Individuals
The bill proposes allowing undocumented individuals to apply for temporary legal status, with the ability to then apply for green cards after five (5) years if they pay their US taxes and pass criminal and national security background checks. After holding green cards for three years, these individuals will be eligible to apply for US citizenship.
Adomat Immigration will continue to monitor this legislation. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Ayla Adomat, Esq. at ayla@adomatimmigration.com