With a decline in the US birth rate, it is predicted that over the next ten years, immigration will be the main force behind population growth. Throughout history, America has welcomed people from all around the world, and, whether they were escaping from danger or looking for a better life, waves of immigrants have been beneficial to the country. Immigrants are now needed more than ever to prevent labor shortages, help bolster economic growth, and contribute to a richer culture. With the new administration’s first changes to policy coming into effect, immigrants will find it easier to obtain work permits and reunite with their families, continuing a mutually beneficial relationship between migrants and their adopted land.
Supporting Applications For Employment-Based Visas
Each year, the government offers around 140,000 employment-based immigrant visas for qualified applicants, and US businesses who want to employ immigrant workers can apply for visas on their behalf. The process can be complex, and this may influence a company’s decision on whether to use an agent vs attorney for their applications. Rather than simply pushing through a request, an attorney can provide legal advice and tailor the visa program to meet the specific needs of a company. New developments in work visa programs include the revocation of a memo that allowed immigration officers to deny requests for visas outright, instead of first asking for further evidence to support the application. When coupled with advice from an experienced attorney, changes like this will be helpful to companies and individuals applying for permission to work in the US.
Reuniting Children With Immigrant Families
As well as welcoming essential immigrant workers, changes to policies will provide legal alternatives for migrants and allow a more humanitarian approach to immigration on the whole. At least 25% of US immigrants come from Mexico, and there have been surges of up to 100,000 people, including children, that have been stopped trying to cross the border. Expanding the Central American Minors program introduced under President Obama will allow many more children from Central America to fly to the US to be reunited with their families, and victims of violence will be able to seek asylum.
Protecting Dreamers From Deportation
Immigrants who were brought to the US as a child still face the risk of deportation if they remain undocumented. They are known as Dreamers, named after the first Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (Dream) Act introduced 20 years ago. Although the act has never become law, several proposed amendments over the years have received bipartisan support. Now, two new versions of the act have recently been put before Congress, and if passed, would offer unauthorized immigrants a route to citizenship, provided they are enrolled in secondary school or have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Recognizing the valuable contribution made to the country by immigrants from all over the world, the new administration has made several important changes to immigration policy during its first few months. These changes reflect a more humanitarian approach, and could make it easier for documented immigrants to work and settle in the country.