Our Bureau
Seattle, WA
US Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ranking Member of the Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement Subcommittee, is leading 16 bipartisan Members of Congress in calling on Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Ur Jaddou to move forward with a proposed rule that would improve the immigration system.
“The current immigration system is broken and in need of dire reform,” wrote the Members. “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. Over the past several years, the Department has taken important steps to improve the immigration system, but more can and should be done.”
The proposed rule would make numerous changes to modernize and streamline the US immigration system by alleviating many problems including reducing processing times and promoting the use of immediately available visas.
In particular, the proposed rule would revise the age calculation under the Child Status Protection Act to provide more clarity and consistency for children at risk of aging out of their status (commonly referred to as documented Dreamers) as dependents on their parent’s visa applications. It further proposes to authorize employment under certain circumstances for dependents, including spouses and documented Dreamers, in the United States waiting for a green card. It seeks to provide relief to people stuck in the employment-based green card 4th Preference category backlogs (including religious workers).
In addition, it is proposed to amend regulations regarding travel authorization for recipients of Temporary Protected Status; and to allow individuals flexibility in their jobs while they are here lawfully on a temporary visa and awaiting their green cards.
