President Biden recently announced significant changes to U.S. immigration policy aimed at keeping families together and providing new opportunities for legal status. These changes reflect a compassionate approach to immigration, recognizing the importance of family unity and offering new pathways to stability for immigrants.
At Angel Law Firm, we are committed to keeping you informed about these developments and helping you navigate any new procedures that impact you and your loved ones.
Key Highlights of the New Immigration Policy
- Pathways to Legal Status for Immigrant Spouses of U.S. Citizens. One of the most notable aspects of the new policy is the provision that allows undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens to apply for legal status. This move is designed to reduce the anxiety and uncertainty faced by families with mixed immigration statuses. The application process has been streamlined to ensure quicker processing times and fewer bureaucratic hurdles.
- Deferred Action for Parents of U.S. Citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA). The Biden administration has reinstated DAPA, which offers temporary protection from deportation and work authorization to parents of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents. This policy helps to prevent family separations and allows parents to contribute economically and socially to their communities.
- Enhanced Protections for DREAMers. The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program has been fortified, providing more security and opportunities for DREAMers—those who were brought to the U.S. as children and have grown up in the country. DACA recipients can now apply for expanded benefits, including more options for higher education and employment.
- Improvements in Asylum Processing. The new policy includes measures to expedite asylum applications and reduce the backlog in immigration courts. Asylum seekers will receive more support and resources, ensuring fairer and faster adjudication of their claims.
- Family Reunification Initiatives. Efforts to reunite families separated at the border have been intensified, with dedicated teams working to locate and reunite children with their parents. New programs are being implemented to support these families as they rebuild their lives in the U.S.
FAQ
Who is eligible for the immigrant spouse of U.S. citizen legal status?
- Immigrant spouses who are currently in the U.S. without legal status and are married to U.S. citizens are eligible to apply for legal status under the new policy. The process includes background checks and other security measures to ensure eligibility.
What is the process for applying for DAPA?
- Eligible parents can apply for DAPA by applying to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The application requires proof of parentage to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and a background check.
How does the new policy impact DACA recipients?
- DACA recipients will benefit from enhanced protections, including the ability to apply for more benefits related to education and employment. The policy also ensures that DACA protections remain in place and are not subject to abrupt changes.
What changes have been made to asylum processing?
- The policy aims to reduce the backlog of asylum cases by expediting the application process and providing more resources for adjudication. Asylum seekers will have access to legal assistance and support services during the process.
How are families separated at the border being reunited?
- Dedicated teams are working to locate and reunite children with their parents. The administration is also implementing new programs to support these families, including legal assistance, counseling, and social services.
Have Questions? Call (407) 337-8799
Angel Law Firm is an award-winning immigration practice that serves families across Orlando and Central Florida. We’ve carefully studied the Biden administration’s new immigration policy and are closely tracking details about its implementation as they unfold.
If you have questions about the new policy, whether you qualify for its various protections or new or expedited processes, and how our attorneys can help, don’t hesitate to reach out. Angel Law Firm is dedicated to helping families navigate the evolving U.S. immigration system and can provide personalized information about your rights and options during a consultation.
To speak with an attorney, call (407) 337-8799 or contact us online.