President Joe Biden – Image Source: The White House
Overview of the New Executive Immigration Order
In a landmark move, President Biden has announced a new executive order aimed at keeping families together and easing the visa process for U.S. college graduates, including Dreamers. This policy represents a significant step toward creating a more humane and efficient immigration system, offering substantial benefits to U.S. citizens and their noncitizen family members, as well as high-skilled graduates.
Keeping American Families Together
One of the most critical aspects of the new executive order is its focus on family unity. Here’s what you need to know:
- Action by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS): The DHS will implement measures to ensure that U.S. citizens with noncitizen spouses and children can stay together. This new process allows certain noncitizen family members to apply for lawful permanent residence without having to leave the United States.
- Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible, noncitizens must have resided in the U.S. for 10 or more years as of June 17, 2024, be legally married to a U.S. citizen, and meet all applicable legal requirements.
- Application Process: Those who meet the criteria and pass DHS’s case-by-case assessment will be granted a three-year period to apply for permanent residency. During this time, they can remain with their families in the U.S. and will be eligible for work authorization.
- Impact: This action is expected to protect approximately half a million spouses of U.S. citizens and around 50,000 noncitizen children under the age of 21 whose parent is married to a U.S. citizen.
Easing the Visa Process for U.S. College Graduates, Including Dreamers
In addition to promoting family unity, the executive order also addresses the needs of U.S. college graduates, particularly those under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy:
- Support for DACA Recipients and Dreamers: Established under President Obama and then-Vice President Biden, the DACA policy allowed young people brought to the U.S. as children to contribute to the country. Today, many DACA recipients have built successful careers and families.
- Streamlined Visa Process: The new order facilitates the visa process for individuals, including DACA recipients and other Dreamers, who have earned a degree from an accredited U.S. institution and have a job offer in their field of study. This measure aims to ensure that educated individuals can use their skills to benefit the U.S. economy.
Implications for Immigrant Families and Graduates
For immigrant families, this executive order offers a pathway to stability and unity. By allowing noncitizen spouses and children to apply for lawful permanent residence without leaving the country, families can avoid the disruption and hardship of separation. The streamlined application process and work authorization provide a much-needed sense of security and opportunity for those who have long been contributing members of American society.
For U.S. college graduates, particularly Dreamers, this policy is a significant step toward recognizing their contributions and potential. By facilitating the visa process for those with degrees and job offers, the administration acknowledges the value of retaining educated, skilled individuals who can drive innovation and growth in the U.S. economy.
How Our Firm Can Help
At Purdy Law we are dedicated to assisting families and individuals navigate these new developments in immigration policy. Our experienced team is ready to provide the support and representation you need during these times of change. We offer comprehensive legal services tailored to meet your unique needs, ensuring that you receive the best possible guidance and advocacy.
If you have any questions about how President Biden’s new executive order might affect your case, or if you need assistance with any immigration-related matter, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are committed to helping you keep your family together and achieve your immigration goals.
Conclusion
President Biden’s new executive order marks a pivotal moment in immigration policy, reflecting a deep commitment to family unity and support for high-skilled graduates. As this policy unfolds, we are here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can navigate these changes and work toward a brighter future for all immigrant families and graduates.
For more detailed information on the executive order, you can read the official fact sheet Here.
