A New Vision for Immigration Creates a Welcoming and Inclusive Immigration System

WASHINGTON—President Joseph R. Biden announced a welcoming and inclusive vision for immigration in a legislative proposal that provides a path to citizenship for millions of undocumented immigrants who call the United States home.

The Biden-Harris administration asked Congress to provide a five-year path to permanent residence for many immigrants followed by a three-year wait for naturalization. Certain individuals with long-standing ties to the United States and previous vetting by the government would be expedited. These groups include Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals beneficiaries and Temporary Protected Status recipients in addition to agricultural workers.

President Biden’s actions on his first day in office come with a range of other important initiatives his administration plans to begin work on to strengthen the American economy, tackle the pandemic, and ensure the well-being of all Americans.

The following statement is from Jorge Loweree, policy director at the American Immigration Council:

“President Biden’s new vision for immigration reform is extraordinary and a welcome development for America, including the millions of people who are caught up in an outdated immigration system that no longer meets the needs of the nation. The American Immigration Council welcomes this proposal to begin to create a fair and just immigration system.

“Our nation needs a 21st century immigration system that meets the needs of our communities, the economy, and respects the dignity of each person in this country. Some of this work requires bold legislative action while other reforms can and must be accomplished by the administration itself.

“We know that the swearing in of a new administration will not heal the divisiveness plaguing our nation, and immigration will not quickly cease to be a polarizing issue that prompts acrimonious debate. We must work together to create a cohesive America where all people are welcomed and where sound immigration policy can thrive.”

The American Immigration Council has a range of research and other resources on how the United States immigration system works and why there is no line for many unauthorized immigrants, including experts available to speak on DACA, Temporary Protected Status, and the cost of immigration enforcement. The Council also has data on the demographic profile and economic contributions of immigrants in each U.S. state and nationwide.

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For more information, contact:

Maria Frausto at the American Immigration Council, [email protected] or 202-507-7526.