Children Of H1B Visa Holders Will Now Become American Citizens Without Waiting For Years (But How?)

Recently, two key bills have been passed by the US House of Representatives creating a pathway to citizenship, like those under the H-1B visa programme, for millions of undocumented immigrants some migrant farmworkers and children whose parents immigrated legally to the country

Describing the bill as a critical first step in reforming the country’s immigration system, President Joe Biden welcomed the passage of the American Dream and Promise Act of 2021 which was passed by the House on Thursday by 228-197 votes.

Relief To Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders and Dreamers

He added that there are children or young people who come to US as children and said that the bill shall provide much-needed relief to these Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders and Dreamers.

According to a policy document issued by the Biden campaign in last November, there are nearly 11 million undocumented immigrants, including over 500,000 from India. These are called as dreamers, as they are basically undocumented immigrants who enter the US as children with parents.

The bill also provides brings the “legal dreamers” hope, these are the people who are foreign-born children of many nonimmigrant workers and lost their legal status after reaching 21 years of age. Bringing such people under the canopy of bill will make sure that they can pursue the American Dream.

A Dignified, Safe & Fair Immigration System Is Required

To create a path to citizenship for the undocumented population like Dreamers and TPS holders, Biden said, US must build a 21st century immigration system that is grounded in dignity, safety, and fairness.

These immigrants, not only they come here with their hopes and dreams and aspirations but also are the necessary source of constant reinvigoration, said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

The most sought after among Indian IT professionals is the H-1B visa which allows foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise to be employed by US companies. Each year techies from countries such as India and China are employed by these technology companies.

The act makes a lawful path to permanent resident (LPR) status for DACA recipients and for certain individuals who either held or were eligible for TPS or Deferred Enforced Departure (DED).

These are the individuals who, often due to the work authorisation and temporary protections against deportation, have been in the country for most of their lives.

Ami Bera, Indian American Congressman said that the most common path supported by the  American public is to apply for citizenship after 5 years of applying full LPR status.

With 5.2 million, undocumented immigrants are one of the largest groups among the immigrant essential workforce, 1 million are Dreamers.