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House Lawmakers Passed Immigration Reform Bills for Giving Pathway to Citizenship

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Berd & Klauss, PLLC
House Lawmakers Passed Immigration Reform Bills for Giving Pathway to Citizenship

What are the odds of you earning citizenship as an immigrant in the United States? Many people dream of moving to the USA to build a life for their families, but US immigration laws are a huge hurdle to overcome. This is why it’s always best to consult with immigration law firms in NYC.

Fortunately, House lawmakers have recently passed two immigration reform bills; the American Dream and Promise Act and the Farm Workforce Modernization Act that provides pathways to citizenship for certain groups of US immigrants. These measures passed the House in 2019, with support from both Democrats and Republicans.

The American Dream and Promise Act creates an avenue to permanent residency and citizenship for young immigrants. Specifically, it helps those brought to the country illegally as children and those with temporary protected status.

In 2021, more than 4 million DREAMers would be eligible for Conditional Permanent Residence or Temporary Protected Status. They must also meet the following criteria:

  • Be 18 years or younger on their initial date of entry to the US
  • Be a continuous resident in the US before January 1, 2021
  • Be a high school graduate or have a GED
  • Pass security and law enforcement background checks

In addition, DACA recipients are eligible for a streamlined processing of conditional permanent residence, along with the waiving of any additional fees.

Meanwhile, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act creates a pathway to legal status and permanent residency for migrant farmworkers. It also reforms the H-2A agricultural visa program, strengthening the requirements for the electronic legal status verification system, E-Verify.

Essentially, this bill allows seasonal workers to earn a legal status if they are continually employed in the agriculture sector. Immigrants may apply as “Certified Agricultural Workers” if they have worked in the sector for at least 180 days in the last two years. Additionally, qualified applicants will be provided with 5-year renewable agriculture visas.

The measures, unfortunately, have little likelihood of advancing into the Senate due to a lack of votes. Despite this, many advocacy groups along with the American public have expressed support for the bills.

Why do you need US immigration lawyers in New York?

US immigration lawyers in New York can inform you of the different procedures regarding immigration, especially when it comes to understand the American Dream and Promise Act and the Farm Workforce Modernization Act.

They can guide you on various immigration matters, including Conditional Permanent Residence, Temporary Protected Status, and the H-2A agricultural visa program.

Finding the best immigration law firms in NYC

Make sure to find immigration law firms in NYC that specialize in a wide range of immigration issues. Whether you’re dealing with immigrant visas, lawful permanent residence, or deportation, they will be able to help.

 

About the Author:

This content is written by Patrick Klauss, Esq, who is an immigration lawyer and a partner at Berd&Klauss, PLLC. The firm specializes in immigration & immigration-related issues and handles everything from immigrant visas to deportation and waivers.

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