President-elect Joe Biden is making it clear that immigration is a top priority for his incoming administration. He will be working to reverse many of the executive actions taken by the current occupant of the White House. The harsh approach to immigration over the past four years has led to a significant reduction in chain migration and a damaging backlog of stand-alone I-130s that are waiting for approval.
Biden’s overall approach and specific policy decisions will consider the economic benefits of welcoming those from other countries and the opportunities it provides immigrants coming from impoverished conditions. Attorney Eric Price is a highly respected immigration attorney with a deep understanding of the needs of immigrants wishing to remain in this country. Contact Eric Price today by calling 855-622-2772 to schedule a free case evaluation today.
Current Family-Based Immigration Problems
In his State of the Union Address in 2017, President Donald Trump claimed that the process of immigrants acquiring green cards for family members allowed immigrants to get “unlimited numbers of distant relatives” into the country. While the claim is not true, the notion set the tone for the administration’s outlook and policy-making decisions.
The administration placed far more stringent immigration restrictions, severely reducing the number of immigrants that entered the country to decade lows. Without reform, the severe reduction of immigrants in the American workforce can have devastating financial consequences for an economy already ravaged by the effects of the global coronavirus pandemic.
Form I-130
The “Petition for Alien Relatives,” also known as Form I-130, is used to prove to the United States government that a citizen or holder of a green card is related to someone looking to immigrate to the U.S. If the Form I-130 is not filled out completely and correctly, it can cost you time, money, and the opportunity to process an alien relative’s petition to immigrate to the country.
An I-130 petition must be filed with required supporting documents to prove that you are permitted to file a Petition for Alien Relatives and that they have a valid family relationship. Documents typically used to support an I-130 petition include:
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or green card
- Proof of a legally valid relationship with the petitioner and not fraudulent
- Proof of any legal name changes for either party
- Proof of the petitioner’s nationality
What is Joe Biden’s Plan?
President-Elect Biden has already laid out a plan to deal with the massive immigration reform family-based backlog of I-130 forms that are waiting for review and approval while holding up the lives of thousands of people. The former vice-president plans to issue temporary visas and employment authorization documents (EADs) to anyone with a pending I-130 in a preference category, subject to an annual review. Issuing these documents to those waiting for an I-130 review will give them a little breathing room as the new administration works to sort out the backlog of files.
Temporary Visas
The number of temporary visas issued for academics, tourism, and employment has seen a steady drop in the current administration. The Biden family-based immigration reform policies will seek to establish a wage-based allocation process and updated enforcement measures without limits on visas by country, which would create more backlogs in the system.
Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
An Employment Authorization Document, or EAD, is an identification card used to prove that you are allowed to be employed in the United States for a specified period of time. An EAD card your photo and may also include your fingerprints. Depending on your specific circumstances, you will need to submit supporting documents that may include the Form I-765, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) fees, a copy of Form I-94 arrival/departure record, two passport-style photos, and proof of eligibility.
What Do These Changes Mean?
Biden has promised to undo the current administration’s changes to the country’s immigration reform policies to give comfort and peace to the hundreds of thousands of immigrants throughout the U.S. The incoming president has pledged to “restore and defend the naturalization process for green-card holders” and “support family-based immigration.”
It will be a challenge to reform immigration policies to restore a compassionate and sensible approach to foreign nationalists who wish to pursue the American dream. A divided Congress will set up obstacles to block the Biden administration’s path to immigration reform. The first step will be to get the paperwork moving again and the processing systems into action.
Who Will Be Affected?
On his first day in the White House, the incoming president has said that he will send an immigration bill to Congress that includes a pathway to citizenship for the 11 million illegal immigrants. This includes helping over 600,000 so-called DREAMERs who entered the country illegally as minor children qualify for deportation relief and work permits.
Biden has also promised to lift the executive order travel bans on those coming from mostly Muslim-majority or African countries. While Biden can rescind the bans, conservatives could delay the process with lawsuits and legal challenges.
What Are The Next Steps?
The next important step comes on January 20, 2021, when Joe Biden is sworn on as the 46th President of the United States. Those that may be affected by the coming reform changes in U.S. immigration policy should make sure all of their paperwork is in order, and their documents are up to date. The change should come, but it could take time and remain an uncertain and fluid situation in the interim. Stay informed, vigilant, and prepared to take advantage of the Joe Biden immigration policy changes that can affect your specific circumstances.
Contact Attorney Eric Price Today!
Changes to the country’s immigration policies and laws can be stressful, frustrating, and frightening for those most directly impacted and their families. Immigration attorney Eric Price has years of experience and firsthand knowledge of the ever-changing landscape for immigrants in recent years. Call 855-662-2772 or info@abogadoericprice.com to learn more and have all of your questions answered by an immigration law expert that has helped hundreds of people seeking to remain in the country.
