The fate of immigration law is ever-changing. The United States has undergone several changes regarding immigration policies, especially in the past decade. With that being said, lawyers and professionals are examining the changes that are expected to take place once 2021 rolls around. The New Year is almost here and we want to inform you of the latest on immigration. Cynthia R. Lopez, P.C., an immigration lawyer, is your best source to stay informed. With a new administration, it’s safe to say that big changes are coming. We take a look in this blog!
Placing a Halt on the Border Wall
The construction of the border wall headlined the news during 2019. Now, under a new administration, it is said that the construction of the wall will come to a temporary halt as it will go under careful consideration as to whether the construction will continue or not. This is one of the most recent updates we have been given in terms of policy change for immigration law. It is said that the construction of the wall will come to a halt to determine a shift in funding. Instead of investing in the wall, the new administration aims to invest in means of technology and infrastructure.
Dreamers: Reinstating DACA
Just this year, the “dreamers” were granted the support of the DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) program, which was placed on pause prior to 2020. In 2021, it is said that dreamers will be eligible for DACA, which allows them to enter the United States before turning 16, to attend school, graduate, serve in the United Forces, and gain financial support from financial aid. These rights were not active for a part of 2020. Ultimately, this plan aims to create a long-term pathway of support for those who are eligible for citizenship in the United States.
Eligibility for Asylum
Similar to the DACA program, asylum was no longer being issued to those who experienced domestic violence in their home countries. It is said that asylum will be reinstated in 2021 for survivors of domestic violence to apply and be found eligible. Even more, the administration to come aims to double the number of interpreters, judges, and court staff in order to attend to the cases that are placed on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The more immigration judges there are, the faster that asylum can be granted to those experiencing violence in their native countries.
Working Around the Travel Ban
A travel ban was implemented in earlier 2020 in efforts to minimize the growth in coronavirus cases. The travel ban is to continue as long as the United States fights the pandemic, but it will be eased. The travel ban is said to screen persons before completely allowing them to enter the United States. Additionally, the screening intends to look at ideological sympathies or leanings to understand the needs of those traveling into the United States. Overall, the travel ban aims to be less strict with the intent of those who travel into the United States during the pandemic.
Minimizing Deportations
The Biden administration claims to halt deportations on the first 100 days starting on January 20th of 2021. It is important to understand how this goal can affect a country that is extremely divided. This can also be seen as a result of a rapidly shifting political climate. People are demanding new immigration policies to drive prioritization and more consideration when it comes to immigrants. Furthermore, the idea of pushing these policies within the first 100 days can also be encouraged by these heavy demands.
An Increase in Minimum Wage
Another policy we might see in the works is an increase in the minimum wage. Currently, the minimum wage is set at $7.25, which has not seen an increase since 2009, making it seem rather low to work with as the economy grows. The new administration to be aims to raise the minimum wage. The agenda on minimum wage aims to support immigrants applying for citizenship to ease the process of establishing a life in the United States.
Stay Informed with Cynthia R. Lopez, P.C.
Wondering what else we might see happen in terms of the law in the upcoming year? We here to provide you with the latest. Visit our blog page or contact us today so we can answer any questions you may have and learn more about our services.
