On 20 January 2021, The USA got its 46th president of the United States as President Joe Biden took oath and charge of the office. Immigrants in the country and those interested in adopting the American way of life welcomed this news and felt relieved. Compared to President Donald Trump, President Joe Biden had a distinct viewpoint on immigrants in the US.
The United States has a large immigrant population, and with each change in leadership, many new changes take effect, including US visa status change, immigration policies such as new family immigration rules USA, work permits and visa programs that affect millions of people living in America who have left their home country in search of a better future. As an immigrant looking to start a new life in the US, significant policy shifts can be unsettling. Under Joe Biden’s presidency, how have immigration laws changed to better the lives of immigrants? Let’s take a look.
Relaxed Rules for Visa Interviews
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Immigrants in the US or those coming to the US find it daunting to go through the personal interview for a US visa, but according to new rules set by The Secretary of State, along with the Department of Homeland Security, certain people who qualify under certain conditions can be eligible for US visa interview waiver and can apply for a visa without having to go to an in-person interview till December 31, 2023. This new rule applies to H-2 Visa Applicants, F, M, and J Visa Applicants and certain temporary visa workers. However, this does not give relief to B1/B2 visa holders and a US visitor visa interview appointment has to be taken by these applicants. Those renewing a visa of the same kind within 48 months after it expired might not need an interview.
Temporary Protected Status Extended
The USA offers a program called Temporary Protected Status (TPS) that allows people from certain countries, including El Salvador, Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua, to stay and work in the US temporarily. The Department of Homeland Security has extended TPS for these nations by another 18 months. This means those already benefiting from TPS can re-register to maintain their status and continue living in the US. The government assessed conditions in their home countries and decided to extend TPS, ensuring that recipients feel safe until they can return home.
Easier Paths to Achieve Green Cards And Work Permits
President Biden’s immigration policies aim to welcome more immigrants and provide legal pathways for those already in the country. The proposed changes include an eight-year path to citizenship for approximately 10.5 million immigrants, easing family- and employment-based Green Card rules, increasing diversity visas, and introducing new work permit policies. Unlike former President Trump’s restrictive stance, Biden’s approach focuses on keeping families together, attracting skilled workers, and offering temporary immigrants a chance at citizenship. While discussions continue in the Senate, the goal is to establish fairer and more accessible immigration policies.
Conclusion
Major US cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York attract immigrants who contribute to the nation’s prosperity through hard work and innovation. The country’s diverse and multicultural population requires dynamic immigration policies, which evolve with each new administration. Under President Biden, immigrants are experiencing more favorable policies, bringing positive changes to the US immigration system. With these reforms, the American dream may now be more achievable than ever.