By: Editorial Staff, Date: June 26th, 2023
Significant developments in US immigration law have occurred in 2022, with more expected. The Biden Administration introduced policies to attract STEM talent, USCIS and CBP streamlined work authorization for dependent spouses, and the DOJ focused on anti-discrimination enforcement.
Changes in STEM-Related Policies
Under the Biden Administration, significant changes have been implemented in STEM-related policies to bolster support for international talent. The expansion of the STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) program enables F-1 students to pursue 22 additional fields of study. Furthermore, J-1 Exchange Visitors enrolled in pre-doctoral STEM programs can now benefit from extended practical training opportunities. USCIS has provided comprehensive guidance on O-1 visas for STEM entrepreneurs, while also broadening the evidentiary considerations for National Interest Waivers (NIW) in critical and emerging technologies. These policy revisions aim to foster greater clarity and enhance opportunities for international individuals with STEM expertise.
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Enhanced Business Visas and Immigration Reform Proposals
The revised Build Back Better reconciliation bill seeks to expand business immigrant visas by recapturing previously unused numbers and maintaining the Diversity Visa program. Additionally, individuals with approved employment-based visas and priority dates more than two years away would have the opportunity to apply for adjustment of status by paying an additional $1,500 fee. The bill also proposes significant fee increases, directing the funds to the U.S. Treasury’s general funds instead of the USCIS account. House Republicans have presented the Dignity Act as an alternative immigration reform plan, offering pathways to permanent residence and citizenship for select undocumented individuals while emphasizing increased border security and mandatory E-Verify. The future of immigration reform remains uncertain and could be a contentious topic in upcoming elections.
The U.S. Citizenship Act of 2023
The bill establishes a roadmap to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, providing a path to legal status for qualifying individuals.
Highlights:
- Measures to strengthen border security, streamline the immigration system and tackle the root causes of migration.
- It prioritizes family reunification, protects immigrant workers, and provides resources for integration and naturalization.
- It ensures that individuals undergo background checks and meet specific requirements related to criminal history and national security.
The bill represents an effort to comprehensively reform the US immigration system and address the challenges and opportunities associated with immigration.
These developments demonstrate the evolving landscape of U.S. immigration policy and set the stage for potential changes in the future. It is crucial to closely monitor the impact of these reforms on individuals, businesses, and the overall immigration system as the nation navigates this transformative period.
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