May 30th, 2023 at 07:05 am
US Dignity Act 2023 – New Immigration Reform Bill Rule | US Immigration Reform
To address systemic issues, Congress introduces the “DIGNIDAD Act,” a comprehensive immigration reform bill. The law includes funding for backlog reduction in US citizenship and immigration services totaling $2.56 billion.
An extensive immigration reform measure is introduced by members of Congress to confront large-scale, systemic issues head-on with large-scale, systemic action. The “DIGNIDAD Act” is one of the most comprehensive immigration reform initiatives to be delayed in a long time.
The fundamental tenet of the proposed legislation is the idea of exchanging tighter enforcement for modifications to the authorized entry system and a route to legality for undocumented immigrants. The DIGNIDAD Act would give virtually all undocumented immigrants a road to status, but numerous attempts to negotiate straightforward concessions have been far more constrained.
The bill will significantly alter how asylum seekers are handled at the border, fund several new roadblocks, and support the recruitment of thousands of additional Border Patrol agents—even though it may take some individuals up to 14 years and cost a minimum of $10,000 in fines and fees.
Even though it’s still unknown whether the bill will ever become law, it’s still vital that representatives of Congress from opposing parties are debating it. Because Congress is now divided, any long-term solution to the issues affecting our immigration system would necessitate compromise, and it is past time for legislators to accept that comprehensive reform is still feasible.
What is the Bill’s primary path to legal status for undocumented immigrants?
The proposed legislation establishes a brand-new “Dignity” and “Redemption” Program that is open to all undocumented immigrants who have resided in the country for at least five years before the law’s passage. A 24-month window would be offered to those who are ineligible for the program, allowing them to depart the country without falling subject to the 3- and 10-year entry barriers that currently affect the majority of undocumented immigrants.
Dignity Program
People interested in participating in the “Dignity Program” would have to pay $1,000, pass a screening process, and remove some criminal history barriers. The individual would be granted authorization to stay in the US for seven years. The individual would have to submit reports to the Department of Homeland Security on a biannual basis, give evidence of “good standing in their community,” and pay an additional $4,000 in installments of at least $2,000 in addition to reporting and providing testimony.
The countrywide rollout of E-Verify would be funded by user fees and restitution received under these programs, and apprenticeship programs for employees who are US citizens would also be supported. Those with families and the elderly would receive an exemption from the “Dignity Program’s” labor requirement.
Along with that, a further 1.5% tax levy supplements an exemption from FICA payments because recipients of the “Dignity Program” would not qualify for any federal benefits. After completing the seven-year “Dignity Program,” a person has two choices. They might apply for a “Dignity Visa,” which would allow them to stay in the country for 5 years.
If the “Dignity Program” is completed and all requirements are met, the recipient may maintain their position indefinitely. A person may be eligible to petition for a 5-year “Redemption Program” if the Government Accountability Office certifies that the border is “secure” and there has been a 90% arrest rate before the conclusion of the 5 years.
Green Card Eligibility under the Redemption Program
If they meet more qualifications, they might apply for a green card through the program. A participant in the “Redemption Program” would also need to continue contacting DHS every two years. In addition, they would need to take an English and a civics test, pay an extra $5,000, or perform 200 hours of community service.
They wouldn’t qualify to apply for legitimate permanent resident status to get a green card until its completion. A person can later submit an application for US citizenship after obtaining LPR status.
What other paths to Legal Status would the bill create?
For undocumented immigrants in the US, including both undocumented minors and individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS), the bill would establish at least three (3) more broad pathways to legal status.
The law adopts the DREAM Act and the American Promise Act in their entirety, paving the way for those who have lived persistently in the US to obtain LPR status, for at least three years, had TPS status as of March 2021, or arrived in the country before turning 18 years old.
A minimum of 2.7 million people shall receive a road to legal status as a result of these measures alone. Those who enter the country before turning 18 must have completed their undergraduate or graduate degrees, served in the military for at least three years, or have had a job for at least four years in addition to learning English and passing a civics test.
The plan also incorporates elements from the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, which would give at least 1 million farmworkers a road toward permanent status. Before the enactment of this law, those who had labored in the US agricultural sector for 10 years would need to do so for an extra 4 years or a further 8 years if they had less than 10 years of experience.
What changes to Border Enforcement and Asylum would the bill make?
Through a large boost in funds for border agencies, the bill would intensify border enforcement. Through 2031, the measure would allocate more than $18 billion to border walls. Before 2027, approximately $7 billion will be spent on border infrastructure, along with 3000 additional Border Patrol agents, $10 billion for the upgrading of ports of entry, and about 500 additional attorneys and support personnel for Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The DHS would have the authority to waive any laws that influence the functioning of border infrastructure. This would grant the Border Patrol tremendous legal impunity. The biggest change proposed by the bill – the establishment of “humanitarian campuses” where detained asylum seekers would transport. Numerous federal agencies, non-profit organizations, social service workers, case managers, legal assistants, etc. would be employed to staff these campuses.
What changes does the bill make to Immigration Enforcement?
The measure would mandate E-Verify use nationwide with harsh fines for firms that do not embrace the technology. Also, employers who fail to check the immigration status of their employees. The law would also greatly increase existing penalties and add a plethora of new offenses relating to immigration.
What changes to Legal Immigration will the bill make?
The measure would alter the legal immigration system in several ways. Some of these targets reducing lengthy visa backlogs. These new pathways to status for illegal immigrants shall add to other reforms that would evolve.
Through asylum pre-screening centers throughout the Western Hemisphere, the measure will also open up a new route. This route is for anyone seeking asylum to enter the United States. Applicants who visit one of those facilities may be eligible for a “W visa”. Thus, if they can demonstrate with great force that they would be eligible for asylum in the US. The number of these visas shall regulate at the annual threshold for determining refugees.
The measure also significantly modifies the H-2A and H-2B temporary worker visa systems. Some of the modifications for H-2A visas include;
- First and foremost, the development of an electronic platform
- Secondly, the elimination of seasonality criteria
- Also, the opening of H-2A visas to new industries
- Lastly, the granting of portable H-2A status for up to 10,000 H-2A workers.
The concept of a “returning worker” broadens. Currently, safe workplaces required, and the penalties for fraud also increased for H-2B visas, among other improvements.
The legislation also addresses backlog reduction, allocating $2.56 billion for backlog reduction at US Citizenship and Immigration Services. Also, $825 million for the State Department, and $225 million for the Department of Labor.
Visit Newsnowgh.com for the most up-to-date information on changes to visa criteria, prospective paths to obtaining legal residency, and others.
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