The Path to Citizenship

After four years of heavy restrictions being set into place and enforced by the Trump administration, Biden has already begun pushing a Bill to help undo some of the damage that has caused. This will help America to restore its reputation as a welcoming haven for all.

1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act
Ronald Reagan’s administration was being plagued with issues surrounding immigration, so he offered a broad-sweeping 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA). This focused on addressing illegal immigration by increasing border control, imposing penalties to employers for hiring unregistered immigrants, and to offer a clean-slate path to citizenship for qualified immigrants. IRCA legalized more than three million immigrants over the next several years.

The Economy Thrived

The legalization of many workers led to an increase in average pay and a pathway to becoming promotable. In 1990, 27% of IRCA immigrants between ages 16-24 and 26% between ages 25-34 were living below the federal poverty line, which was reduced to 15% and 14%, respectively. The higher earnings of legalized workers led to more tax revenue, consumer buying power, and jobs.

2021 Immigration Reform

There are approximately 11 million undocumented immigrants currently living in the United States. Many of the same concerns exist that were around during the Reagan era, including the impact on the economy, job loss, and crime. Opponents are using the idea that the Bill is to “open the borders” without regard to that not being a part of it at all. Also being used is the idea that foreign criminals will be granted a pardon to stay in America. Since there are nearly four times the number of individuals involved in this round, these facts are important.

The US Citizenship Act

The US Citizenship Act serves to create a path to citizenship. Not just anyone who
applies is automatically given citizenship. Dreamers, TPS holders, and immigrant farm workers would be eligible for green cards immediately. Other undocumented immigrants could apply for temporary legal status right away. After five years, they could apply for green cards. Green card holders could apply to become US citizens after three years. They'd have to pass additional background checks and demonstrate knowledge of English and US civics.  This also helps keep families together, which reduces the strain on the system created by housing separated children. Religious discrimination is now prohibited and systems are being better funded to help with the integration of new citizens.

Something for Students

The Bill clears employment visa backlogs, reduces wait times, and eliminates per-country caps. This will make it easier for graduates of United States universities with advanced STEM degrees to stay in the United States. 

Border Controls in place

Contrary to what many believe about the borders being opened, existing border resources will be supplemented with technology and infrastructure. There is also funding for training to establish monitoring of border communities.

Criminal Organizations Beware

This Bill enhances the ability to prosecute those engaging in smuggling or trafficking
networks, even requiring the FBI, DEA, and DHS to improve and expand anti-gang forces in Central America.  As was learned from the 1986 IRCA, legal citizens earn more and, thus, pay more in taxes. Their spending power goes up, which leads to an improved local economy which also sees an increase in tax revenue from sales. 
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Inclusivity
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One of the benefits that don’t get attention - inclusivity. The 11 million humans in the United States who are living in fear of being arrested and their families torn apart simply because they were not born here. They are hard-working, law-abiding, productive members of our society, and deserve the dignity that comes with being an American.