HoneySuckle Magazine
No Result
View All Result
  • Culture
  • Gender & Sexuality
  • Racial Politics
    • Black Lives Matter
    • A Culture Cries Out
    • Politics
  • Environment
    • Spirituality
      • Honey Drip
    • Health & Wellness
SHOP
Honey Suckle Magazine
  • Culture
  • Gender & Sexuality
  • Racial Politics
    • Black Lives Matter
    • A Culture Cries Out
    • Politics
  • Environment
    • Spirituality
      • Honey Drip
    • Health & Wellness
No Result
View All Result
Honey Suckle Magazine
No Result
View All Result
Home Racial Politics Politics

Is Biden’s US Citizenship Bill a Turning Point for Immigration?

His first day in office, President Joe Biden announced an expansive set of proposed Bills, actions, and plans to tackle the issue of immigration in America.

January 26, 2021
Reading Time: 4min read
0
joe biden

Image: KHOU

Everyone knew that Joe Biden had a lot to prove when he assumed office following Trump as the 46th President of the United States. His election campaign promised a radical sweep of new policies within his first day, characterizing his administration’s attitude and commitment to change. 

RELATED POSTS

How Netflix’s “Grand Army” Portrays Diverse Languages and Cultures: The Good and the Bad 

Will Biden Rectify Efficiency and Equity Issues Facing Covid-19 Vaccine Distribution?

How Will the Biden-Harris Administration Manage Competing Interests in Climate Policy Solutions?  

Thankfully, he delivered on the promises (and wishes of his voters) to re-join the Paris Climate Agreement and produce new mandates on the enforcement of mask-wearing in federal government buildings. He also shockingly announced an expansive set of proposed Bills, actions, and plans to tackle the issue of immigration in America. Immigration was a staple issue of the Trump presidency but featured to a small degree within the Biden election campaign.

The US. similar to of the UK, is known for having an arduous immigration process; the topic being an incredibly salient issue among the public.

Biden’s Immigration Reform

Biden announced that he was using executive action to roll back Trump’s attempts to exclude undocumented people from the census, end the so-called Muslim ban, and to reverse policy that prioritized the deportation of criminals. He also rescinded the declaration former President Trump used to divert funds to the wall on the US-Mexico border. These actions likely settled the nerves of many, along with indicating Biden’s commitment to change. 

However, the administration illustrated that their main aim was not to just simply reverse the actions of Trump, but to introduce new policy to progress American society and mend the divides caused by xenophobia and racism. In an act that further demonstrated Biden’s new focus on adjudication rather than enforcement, the president extended protected immigration status to 4000 Liberians fleeing their country due to armed conflict and an Ebola outbreak. He also emphasized plans to address the root causes of migration by sending aid to Central American countries suffering from climate crises, violence, and poverty. 

Additionally, Biden cemented his administration’s focus on immigration by introducing the proposed US Citizenship Act 2021. If passed by Congress, this act will allow undocumented immigrants (who entered the country before the 1st January 2021) to apply for legal status. The bill, if passed, will also make undocumented immigrants eligible to apply for a green card after 5 years, subject to the passing of background checks and payment of taxes. These individuals would then be able to apply for citizenship after 3 years of holding a green card, setting up a clear 8 year long route for immigrants which was previously absent. 

Alongside this, he underlined his support for the DACA program—a measure that Trump tried to remove—which allows those brought into the US as children without legal documents access to temporary work visas and protection against deportation. 

Biden’s action on his first day in office surprised pro-immigration activists, particularly as immigration was not a central issue central in his campaign. Many expected him to follow President Obama’s footsteps, who promised immigration reform in the first year of his Presidency, but did not actually commit until his fifth year.

ADVERTISEMENT

Biden’s policy sets the scene for the future of his Presidency; it is clear that his administration is taking a more sympathetic and humane approach than its predecessor. Despite this surprising attitude, Biden’s policy is not perfect.

Many of us are disillusioned as a result of the chaos of the Trump presidency, and believe that anything is better than Trump’s years in office. However, for America to progress into a fair and accepting society once again, the Biden administration should be critiqued and held accountable when necessary.

Evaluating the The US Citizenship Act 2021

The US Citizenship Act 2021 sounds idyllic, but it is evident that it could face a great deal of trouble getting through the Senate, with many suggesting that 60 Senators will need to vote in favor to ensure the bill is passed. Furthermore, even is the bill is approved, it will leave many undocumented immigrants facing uncertainty and instability. An 8-year wait for citizenship is not ideal for some, and completely impossible for others. 

The lengthy route does not take into account other societal factors that influence the lives of immigrants, such as poverty, employment struggles, racism, and lack of healthcare, all of which create barriers for individuals in reaching the citizenship stage. The Bill also does not support immigrants entering the US after the 1st January 2021, making the course of their lives in America an unknown factor.

Moreover, the introduction of pro-immigration policy so soon after Biden’s inauguration and the Capitol insurrection could have troubling effects among Republicans and Trump voters and incite xenophobic and racist attacks.

Biden’s inauguration speech and his entire campaign emphasized uniting America as his main aim. However, rapid introduction of these policies without working on unity could lead to deeper and more complex divides. 

Ultimately, Biden has demonstrated that humanity is a central theme of his administration, and that the future could bring a more accepting America for immigrants. It is important though to acknowledge that comparing Biden policy to Trump policy is unsustainable, as it hinders criticism and blinds us to wrongdoings, even if they are less diabolical.

The support for immigrants needs to be strong. After all, America is a nation built and sustained by immigrants. 

 

Tags: ImmigrationJoe Biden
ShareTweet
Aaron Gates-Lincoln

Aaron Gates-Lincoln

Aaron Gates-Lincoln writes for immigrationnews.co.uk. This is a media platform that helps to raise awareness about migrant injustices and news around the world.

Related Posts

netflix, grand army
Culture

How Netflix’s “Grand Army” Portrays Diverse Languages and Cultures: The Good and the Bad 

vaccine, covid-19
#COVID-19

Will Biden Rectify Efficiency and Equity Issues Facing Covid-19 Vaccine Distribution?

climate change, new
Politics

How Will the Biden-Harris Administration Manage Competing Interests in Climate Policy Solutions?  

climate change, policy, biden-harris administration
Politics

Virtual Town Hall with Congresswoman Kathy Castor: Climate Solutions Under a New Administration

Kamala Harris
Politics

Kamala Harris: Progressive Legislation or Progressive Symbolism?

Biden, Cabinet, Politics, Presidency, Diversity
Politics

Biden’s Cabinet of Diversity

Next Post
CBD gummies

CBD Gummies & Other Tricks to Pamper Your Valentine

proxy, sophia banks, film

“Proxy” Film Review: A Bleak Glimpse into Emotion as Occupation

Discussion about this post

Recommended Stories

Midsommar is a trip to a remote, drug-fueled pagan commune

fashinnovation

Fashinnovation Talks: FASHION Is from Influencer to Entrepreneur

Is Biden’s US Citizenship Bill a Turning Point for Immigration?

Cannabis & the Future of Sustainability; Featuring Anita Angelica Moore & Aer Tips

Popular Stories

  • On Secret Sex Work, Cardi B, and Finding Liberty

    On Secret Sex Work, Cardi B, and Finding Liberty

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Unbound: King Noire on Kink, Porn, and Polyamory

    291 shares
    Share 291 Tweet 0
  • Illegal Cannabis is Unconstitutional: Hiller PC Takes Landmark Case to Supreme Court

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • The Power of Your Life Path Number

    14 shares
    Share 14 Tweet 0
  • Michigan Department of Corrections Under Fire for Failing to Take Appropriate Measures to Combat Covid-19

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
Honeysuckle Magazine

Honeysuckle Magazine provides an outlet that emphasizes diverse perspectives and creative expression. Wise, yet provocative, we aim to normalize the discussions of taboo topics.

Recent Articles

  • Kambo: Is Burning Frog Venom into Your Skin a Wonder Cleanse or Risky Procedure?
  • Lawrence Lek: The Artist, Filmmaker, and Musician Blending the Real and Virtual Worlds
  • What the Alex Morse Scandal Tells Us About the Democratic Establishment 

Download the Apps

Honeysuckle on Apple App Store
Honeysuckle on Google Play Store

About Honeysuckle

  • About Us
  • Team
  • Press & Awards

© Copyright 2020 Honeysuckle Magazine, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

No Result
View All Result
  • Culture
  • Gender & Sexuality
  • Racial Politics
  • Sustainability and Environment
    • Spirituality
    • Health & Wellness
  • Honeysuckle Studios
  • Honey Pot
  • Shop
  • Honey Drip

© Copyright 2020 Honeysuckle Magazine, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

Are you sure want to unlock this post?
Unlock left : 0
Are you sure want to cancel subscription?