Your Guide to New Immigration Laws, and How to Understand Them

Did you know that approximately 1 in 8 Americans is foreign-born? There are approximately 44 million immigrants in the United States. It is an important aspect of our economy and our identity as a country.

One of the challenges in navigating the immigration system is that it is always changing. Congress can pass legislation; executive branch agencies can put in place policies. All these can impact immigration for millions of people.

Without knowledge of new immigration laws, people seeking adjustment of status can be set back months or even years. This article covers some of the most recent updates to US immigration laws. It also has some advice on how to stay on top of such changes so that you can be certain you are taking the right steps to achieve your naturalization goals.

Build Back Better Immigration Changes

In August, Congress passed the Build Back Better Act. This was a massive budget reconciliation bill that contained many different provisions. These include funding for universal preschool and tax credits, and pandemic relief.

It also contained some immigration reforms. One of these was an extension of the Diversity Visa Program, which makes 50,000 visas available every year. They are drawn from a selection of individuals from countries with low rates of immigration.

Another provision in the bill affects immigrants with approved employment-based visas. It allows individuals with priority dates more than two years away to apply for a new adjustment of status. It requires a $1,500 fee but can be an efficient way to move the process along.

2022 STEP Policy

At the beginning of this year, the Biden administration implemented a series of policies related to attracting overseas talent. These new immigration laws focus on people skilled in STEM fields, or science, technology, engineering, and math.

The short version is that the policy creates a work authorization for dependent spouses of certain visa categories. It streamlines the route for qualified workers to remain in the country. If you or a family member fall within this category, you can seek a special adjustment of status.

U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021

One piece of legislation that has not passed but to keep an eye on is a comprehensive immigration reform measure introduced last year. It would create a path to citizenship for millions of undocumented immigrants.

This would affect thousands of children who are detained in border facilities today. It would also help keep families together by cleaning backlogs. Finally, the law would strengthen labor protections by improving the employment verification process.

The House of Representatives approved the measure in August. A companion bill has been introduced in the Senate but has failed to gain traction. However, depending on the outcomes of the midterm elections next month, this legislation could be on the president’s desk by early next year.

Get Further Help Understanding New Immigration Laws

Now that you understand how new immigration laws work, you can keep on top of policies and procedures that impact you. Staying informed about immigration law trends can help you make the best decision for yourself and your family.

At Action Immigration Bonds, we work to provide our customers with outstanding service and guidance. Our staff, our experts, can help you navigate complex laws on immigration. Reach out to us today to learn more about our services or for a free consultation.