Indian American Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ranking Member of the Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement Subcommittee, is leading a bipartisan initiative with 16 other Members of Congress to modernize and streamline the United States immigration system.
The lawmakers are calling on Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Ur Jaddou to approve a proposed rule aimed at doing the same. Reducing processing times and encouraging the use of immediately available visas are two of the many issues that the proposed changes aim to address.
The proposed rule aims to make significant improvements to the immigration system by revising the age calculation under the Child Status Protection Act for greater clarity and consistency for children at risk of aging out of their status, often referred to as documented Dreamers, who are dependents on their parent's visa applications.
It also seeks to authorize employment for dependents, including spouses and documented Dreamers, waiting for a green card. The bill provides relief to those stuck in the employment-based green card 4th Preference category backlogs, such as religious workers.
Additionally, the rule would amend regulations regarding travel authorization for recipients of Temporary Protected Status and allow individuals flexibility in their jobs while they are lawfully present on a temporary visa and awaiting their green cards.
“The current immigration system is broken and in need of dire reform. Unfortunately, for decades, Congress has failed to rise to the challenge and enact serious solutions. Despite the lack of congressional action, the Department has the ability under existing law to improve the immigration system so that it better serves American families and the economy,” the lawmakers said in the letter.
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