What Does the Biden Administration Mean to Citizens and Undocumented Immigrants?

BURBANK, CA -- At the beginning of their campaign, Joe Biden promised a pathway to citizenship for the over 11 million undocumented immigrants living in the United States. This would benefit immigrants, citizens and the country.

During the Obama administration, people were hopeful that he would pass a bill allowing undocumented immigrants to adjust their status. However, this was only partially done when he implemented the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals.

The program would allow people who entered the United States as children to apply for a work permit. At the beginning of the program, this was a temporary measure while things were sorted out. Years later, these same young immigrants who once felt protected faced the fear of being deported under the Trump administration.

Now under the Biden administration, immigrant youth, citizens and others are again hoping for a pathway to obtaining a United States citizenship. Biden announced his very aggressive immigration reform plan. It would tackle points like status adjustment to the mass immigration source's root. This left many surprised as it would be the first time in years where there is a bill in place instead of just a promise. (Credit: Tim Mossholder // Farmworkers)

The Citizenship Act of 2021 was introduced to the Senate and prioritized those protected under Temporary Protected Status, DACA and farmworkers. Allowing them to apply for a green card immediately.

"Knowing that there is going to be more safety uh, moving forward when it comes to a safer and stable residency like a green card," said Emmanuel Reyna a DACA recipient in Phoenix, Arizona.

Other undocumented immigrants will also benefit from this bill. The only difference is that the pathway will include a longer wait and a more complex process. Applicants will need to pass a background check, later apply for a temporary work permit which will allow them to do their taxes.

After five years of being on a work permit, these applicants will need to demonstrate English and U.S. civics knowledge to apply for a green card. The wait from work permit status to green cardholder will be three years. This would reduce it from the original 15-year process to only eight. Lastly, all applicants need to have entered the U. S. before January 1st, 2021.

There is more to this bill than awarding legal status. The bill also focuses on the root cause of immigration from countries in Central America. Setting aside a $4 billion budget to create more legal channels in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. This would allow people to apply for refugee or asylum status while still in their home countries.

The Citizenship Act of 2021 will also address the immigration backlog. This is why the processing times are extremely long and people decide to cross the border illegally. The bill also proposes to include the number of visas.

"I can not afford to pay health insurance and I can not apply for Medi-Cal otherwise it would not be possible for me to request for my mom," said Mery Lee Larenas a U.S. citizen.

By: Miriam Frutos Rodriguez

Contribution: CNN

Photo: Tim Moss Holder

Audio: Miriam Frutos Rodriguez (commentary)

Video: Miriam Frutos Rodriguez

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