How Do President Biden’s New Executive Orders Affect Immigration?

 Posted on January 22, 2021 in Immigration

Since Joe Biden’s inauguration as the 46th President of the United States on January 20, he has already been busy with several executive orders that signal major policy changes from the previous administration. Several of President Biden’s orders have been directly related to immigration policy, and they may offer new hope to people who are seeking to immigrate to or remain in the U.S.

Biden’s Immigration Orders

President Biden’s early executive orders regarding immigration include:

• A lift of the Trump administration’s travel ban: This order revokes a 2017 order issued by the Trump administration that barred citizens of several countries, including many with predominantly Muslim populations, from acquiring visas. Biden’s order will resume application processing for these visas, potentially allowing citizens of these countries to legally immigrate to the U.S. provided that they meet eligibility requirements.
• Protection for the DACA program: This order provides renewed protection for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program originally established during the Obama administration, which defers deportation and removal proceedings for undocumented immigrants who came to the U.S. as minors and are in good standing.
• Assurance of the inclusion of undocumented immigrants in 2020 Census counts: This order affirms that 2020 Census counts will include all residents of each state, including undocumented immigrants, whom the Trump administration had sought to exclude through a prior executive action. The order has implications for the apportionment of Congressional representatives for states with significant immigrant populations.
• A stop to the construction of the southern border wall: This order ends the Trump administration’s declaration of a national emergency at the border with Mexico. It also pauses construction of the border wall, stops further funding directed toward the project, and provides for a review and potential redirect of funding currently allocated to the construction.

Biden has also submitted a bill to Congress that, if passed, would create a pathway to citizenship for millions of undocumented immigrants who are currently living in the United States. His administration has signified that further action regarding immigration policy is likely.

Contact an Illinois Immigration Attorney

At Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices, we stay abreast of all changes to U.S. immigration policy, and as it evolves during the Biden administration, we will help you understand how your case may be affected. We can work with you to help you obtain and maintain lawful immigration status for yourself and your family. Contact an Illinois immigration lawyer today at 630-932-9100 for a free initial consultation.

Sources:

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/

https://www.dw.com/en/biden-signs-executive-order-repealing-trumps-muslim-ban/a-56296866

https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2021/1/20/22235986/biden-trump-travel-muslim-ban