President Biden has made it clear that he intends to expand protections for immigrants and restore the rights and freedoms of those unjustly targeted. As a part of his efforts, he is asking Congress to include immigration in the next budget bill.
A New Budget
The Democrats are drafting a budget measure that may include provisions for climate change, social justice, and possibly immigration. The bill must be approved by at least 60 out of 100 senators before it can go into effect, and the President is making his case for immigration before the vote.
Biden met with Democratic lawmakers on July 29th to discuss including provisions for DACA recipients and seemed optimistic about the result. “It went very well,” he said after the meeting. Presidential support is a benefit to lawmakers, especially when drafting vital budget reconciliation legislation.
However, the final decision on what can and cannot be added to the bill depends on the Senate parliamentarian who decides what addendums are appropriate.
DACA
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals is a program that allows young immigrants who entered the country before their 16th birthday to take part in the privileges of immigration, including education. Recipients of DACA are often called DREAMERs, and the President has made it clear that his goal is to provide pathways to citizenship for these young hopefuls.
The push for immigration, specifically DACA, to be included in the bill comes after a Texas court declared DACA illegal and issued an injunction prohibiting further applications. Both the President and Vice President met with lawmakers to discuss the future of the deferred action program.
Extra funding for DACA could help extend the benefits until lawmakers can determine what needs to be done to protect the program from similar injunctions from other states. The program primarily benefits young Hispanic adults born in Mexico and Central and South America. Strengthening DACA would give DREAMERs access to work authorization, identification, and financial aid.
What You Can Do
Until there are plans in place to stabilize DACA, it’s important to do what you can to make sure your status is protected. If you are a DACA recipient, stay updated on the Texas injunction and other changes on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website. There you can find information about DACA requirements and tips on how to file.
If you are not a DACA recipient, but you are concerned about yourself, family, or friends in light of recent changes in Texas, don’t hesitate to consult a lawyer. Immigration lawyers have experience and knowledge of the law to help you secure your status in the United States and have peace of mind.
Lim Law, P.A. has been in the business of making dreams come true for over 20 years. We believe that those who want a new life deserve support and guidance from experienced legal advisors. That’s why we give clients the counsel they need to pursue their dreams and secure their futures.
For more information, contact Lim Law, P.A.
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