Immigration Reform: Pathway to Citizenship Explained

The United States is home to over 10.5 million undocumented immigrants. This number has been a big part of the country’s immigration debate. The Biden administration and Congressional Democrats aim to change this by offering a pathway to citizenship for these individuals.

This article will look into the main parts of the proposed immigration reform. We’ll see why there’s a push for a pathway to citizenship, its effects on different immigrant groups, and the economic and social benefits. We’ll also talk about family reunification, border security, and protecting vulnerable groups in immigration reform.

Key Takeaways

• The Biden administration and Congressional Democrats are working on legislation to offer a pathway to citizenship for the estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants in the US.
• Past efforts to reform the US immigration system have faced challenges, but the current political landscape presents new opportunities for change.
• The proposed immigration reform measures focus on providing immediate citizenship paths for specific immigrant groups, such as DACA recipients, TPS holders, and agricultural workers.
• The legislation aims to address root causes of migration and improve living conditions in countries like El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras.
• Achieving meaningful immigration reform will require bipartisan cooperation in the closely divided Senate.

Understanding the Need for Immigration Reform

There’s a big need for immigration reform in the U.S. Many undocumented immigrants work in key areas like farming, building, and food service. They are a big part of the workforce. In fact, a lot of important jobs are done by undocumented people, especially in some states.

The U.S. is still dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic and will need all the workers it can get to recover. Studies show that if undocumented immigrants become citizens, they often earn more and pay taxes. This can help the economy and fix budget issues. Giving undocumented immigrants a way to become citizens could add $149 billion to the economy and increase taxes by $39 billion.

Undocumented Immigrants and Their Impact on the Economy

Undocumented immigrants are key to the U.S. economy. They fill important jobs in farming, building, and food service. As the country recovers from the pandemic, their help will be vital for growth and success.

• FWD.us estimates that undocumented immigrants make up significant portions of the U.S. workforce in essential industries
• When undocumented immigrants become U.S. citizens, they are more likely to live above the poverty line and pay taxes, which can boost the economy
• Providing a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants could add $149 billion annually to the U.S. economy and increase tax revenue by $39 billion

Fixing the immigration system is both right and smart for the economy. By valuing these workers and giving them a way to stay, the U.S. can get stronger, recover from the pandemic, and grow economically in the long run.

The Dream Act: Protecting Dreamers

The Dream Act aims to give a way to citizenship for immigrants who came to the U.S. as kids but could be deported. These individuals, known as “Dreamers,” have been at the center of immigration reform efforts. Over the last 20 years, many versions of the Dream Act have been presented in Congress, each with different rules and benefits.

Even though many lawmakers support the Dream Act, no bill has become law yet. But, the latest versions, like the Dream Act of 2023, the American Dream and Promise Act of 2023, and the DIGNIDAD Act of 2023, aim to help Dreamers. They offer a way to citizenship through education, military service, or work.

The Dream Act of 2023 is a bipartisan bill by Senators Dick Durbin and Lindsey Graham. It aims to give a way to citizenship for Dreamers. This bill could help up to 1.855 million Dreamers living in the U.S.

The American Dream and Promise Act of 2023 and the DIGNIDAD Act of 2023 also want to make the Dream Act more inclusive. They would give a way to citizenship to “documented” Dreamers, including those on temporary work visas.

Different versions of the Dream Act have different rules, like age of arrival, staying in the country, and criminal history. But they all aim to protect Dreamers and let them contribute to their home country.

With more support from both sides and the economic benefits, advocates hope a solution can be found. They believe it will protect Dreamers and give them a way to citizenship.

immigration reform, pathway to citizenship

The debate over immigration reform, especially giving citizenship to undocumented immigrants, has been ongoing in the U.S. for a long time. Despite many proposals, Congress hasn’t passed a law that would give legal status and citizenship to millions living here without it.

But, recent polls show strong support for letting undocumented residents become citizens. FWD.us found that nearly all undocumented immigrants are part of groups Americans believe should get a chance at citizenship. This includes 71% of the U.S. public supporting the Dream Act for Dreamers, and 71% backing a pathway for essential workers.

In key states like Arizona, Georgia, Florida, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, a large majority of people support giving citizenship to undocumented immigrants. This support is strong for those who have lived in the U.S. for over 10 years, have U.S. citizen children, or are seeking asylum.

Immigration reform could also boost the economy. FWD.us says that undocumented immigrants who become U.S. citizens would add $149 billion annually to the economy after taxes. This could lead to a $39 billion increase in taxes at the federal, state, and local levels.

With broad public support and economic benefits, now might be the perfect time for Congress to act on immigration reform. They could provide a meaningful pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants in the U.S.

Eligibility Criteria for a Pathway to Citizenship

The Dream Act and similar laws set out rules for undocumented immigrants to get a pathway to citizenship. These bills offer a three-step process. First, you get Conditional Permanent Resident (CPR) status, which lets you work, if you meet certain conditions. This includes coming to the U.S. as a child, finishing high school or getting a GED, and not having certain criminal records.

Next, you can get Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) status, or a “green card,” by meeting more requirements. This could be through higher education, military service, or employment. Finally, you can apply for U.S. citizenship after being an LPR for five years.

Requirements for Conditional Permanent Resident Status

The rules for getting conditional permanent resident status differ in each bill. But they all aim to give undocumented immigrants a legal path and chance for citizenship. Some common rules include:

• Arriving in the U.S. as a child
• Graduating high school or getting a GED
• Having a clean criminal record, without certain convictions
• Showing military service or educational achievements

After getting CPR status, you work towards a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) status, or a “green card.” This requires more criteria, like employment or education. After five years as an LPR, you can apply for U.S. citizenship.

These laws aim to give undocumented immigrants a clear pathway to citizenship. They also address concerns about national security, public safety, and the benefits of integrating this group into American society.

Obtaining Lawful Permanent Residence

After meeting the requirements for Conditional Permanent Resident (CPR) status, individuals can work towards a pathway to citizenship. They must fulfill one of several criteria to get Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) status, also known as a “green card”.

1. Completing a degree from an institution of higher education or a post-secondary credential from a career and technical education school;
2. Serving at least two (or three, depending on the bill) years of military service with an honorable discharge;
3. Demonstrating employment over a total period of three (or four) years with at least 75% of that time having employment authorization.

Some applicants might not meet these criteria. But, they could get a “hardship waiver” if they have a disability, are a full-time caregiver, or if their removal would cause extreme hardship to themselves or a family member who is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. After five years of LPR status, they can apply for U.S. citizenship through the normal process.

This bill could give a green card to up to 8 million people, including Dreamers, TPS holders, and long-term visa holders. If these individuals became citizens, they would add about $83 billion to the U.S. economy each year and $27 billion in taxes.

Family Reunification and Immigration Reform

Immigration reform focuses on keeping families together. The U.S. Citizenship Act aims to fix the issue of family separation. It offers an earned path to citizenship for undocumented individuals and their families.

This bill also wants to fix the family-based immigration system. It plans to clear backlogs and remove barriers that keep families apart. It will make sure LGBTQ+ families are recognized and protected. This means same-sex partners can sponsor their permanent partners for immigration. It also gives automatic citizenship to children with a U.S. citizen parent, no matter the biological link.

Keeping Families Together

About 500,000 noncitizen spouses of U.S. citizens could benefit from this new process. They have lived in the U.S. for an average of 23 years. Also, around 50,000 noncitizen children under 21 with a U.S. citizen parent can apply.

To be eligible, individuals must have lived in the U.S. for at least 10 years by June 17, 2024. They must also have a valid marriage to a U.S. citizen by then. USCIS will review each case, looking at immigration history, criminal record, and national security concerns.

These reforms focus on family unity. They aim to bring back humanity and American values to immigration. This way, families can stay together and flourish in the U.S.

Economic Benefits of Immigration Reform

Letting undocumented immigrants become citizens could greatly help the U.S. economy. FWD.us found that new citizens often earn more and pay taxes. This could add $149 billion to the economy each year and increase taxes by $39 billion.

Immigrants are key to the U.S. workforce, especially in crucial sectors. Giving them legal status can help fix labor shortages and aid in recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. Immigration reform could make the most of the immigrant workforce, boosting the economy for the long run.

• From 2010 to 2020, the U.S. saw its slowest population growth since the 1930s. Immigration is needed to grow the population and keep a good balance for economic growth.
• Immigrants added $2 trillion to the U.S. GDP in 2016 and paid $458.7 billion in taxes in 2018. They have a big economic impact.
• Increasing legal immigration could double, helping the U.S. stay competitive, strengthen Social Security, and boost the economy.

By supporting immigration reform, the U.S. can benefit from its immigrant workers. This includes more tax money, more people working, and overall economic growth. This change could lead to lasting prosperity for the country.

Border Security and Root Cause Mitigation

The U.S. Citizenship Act proposes a full plan for managing the border and tackling the root causes of migration. It sees the rise in migration as a big issue across the hemisphere. This is due to violence, instability, and poor economic chances in many migrants’ home countries. The plan offers funding for a four-year effort to help Central American countries. This includes reducing corruption, violence, poverty, and famine that push people to leave.

A Comprehensive Approach

The bills suggest making safe and legal paths for people to seek safety, so they don’t have to risk the dangerous trip to the U.S. border. They also aim to update border infrastructure and technology at ports of entry. These are key spots where most drugs illegally enter the country. The plans also focus on keeping border communities safe and looking into any wrongdoings by border agents.

Investing in border technology and updating ports of entry is meant to make the border safer and more secure. The Administration also wants funding for legal help for families and vulnerable people. This includes support for Department of Justice (DOJ) programs to quickly look into cases and lessen the wait times in immigration courts.

The proposed immigration reforms aim to tackle the root causes of migration. This includes corruption, violence, poverty, and famine in Central America. The U.S. has given a lot of help to the region. It works with international groups and the private sector to boost economic and social growth in these countries.

By focusing on border security and fixing the root causes of migration, these immigration reforms aim for a kinder and more efficient system. This approach is key to keeping both border areas and those seeking refuge in the U.S. safe.

Protecting LGBTQ+ Families and Vulnerable Groups

The immigration reform proposals aim to help LGBTQ+ families and other vulnerable groups. They create a new definition of “spouse” to include permanent partners. This change helps LGBTQ+ families by allowing citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their partners for immigration.

The bills also make sure children with a U.S. citizen parent get automatic citizenship, no matter their biological link. They protect orphans, widows, and children from losing their chance for benefits if a sponsor dies. These changes aim to make the immigration system fairer for all LGBTQ+ families and vulnerable groups.

The U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021 wants to help immigrants and refugees fit into American life better. It includes funding for programs that help with family reunification and stop discrimination. The bill also aims to improve the work-based immigration system.

It plans to remove limits on immigration from certain countries, help STEM graduates stay in the U.S., and make it easier for workers in low-wage jobs to get green cards. By focusing on LGBTQ+ families and vulnerable groups, the reforms aim for a fairer immigration system. This approach is key to updating the system and ensuring dignity, fairness, and growth for everyone.

Conclusion

The debate on immigration reform in the U.S. shows we need a full plan. This plan should help undocumented immigrants and their families. Laws like the Dream Act and the U.S. Citizenship Act offer a clear pathway to citizenship. They also focus on family reunions, making the border safer, and growing the economy.

These reforms could make the economy stronger, increase taxes, and reduce poverty. They aim to update how we manage the border. They also aim to solve the reasons people migrate and protect those in danger, like LGBTQ+ families.

As Congress talks about these ideas, most people support giving a way to citizenship. This shows that real immigration reform might be close. The good things these reforms could do, like helping the economy and bringing families together, show we need a solution that both sides agree on. This will solve the big issues in the immigration debate.