Likely Immigration Trends in 2022
The United States immigration laws constantly evolve under new presidential administrations and political climates. So understanding the current state of affairs can be challenging.
The Biden administration’s plans for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) — also known as “Dreamers” — seem promising.
Since taking office, the Biden administration has rolled out plans to boost the refugee admission cap to 125,000 and preserve deportation relief for unauthorized immigrants who entered the country as children.
What Happened With Immigration In 2021?
The Trump administration and the Coronavirus pandemic weren’t kind to immigration.
According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), there were 590,070 active DACA recipients as of June 30, 2021 — a decline of more than 46,000 since December 31, 2020. The United States only admitted 11,411 refugees in 2021, the lowest number since Congress passed the 1980 Refugee Act.
DACA recipients represent more than half a million people living in the United States. Fay, Grafton, & Nunez wants to help recipients remain in the United States, the only place many only remember calling home.
What Is The Current State Of DACA For Immigration?
During 2020 and 2021, opponents attacked DACA in district courts across the country. But looking ahead to 2022 has more promise.
President Biden’s biggest immigration proposal would permit more new immigrants into the United States and allow millions of unauthorized immigrants already in the country a pathway to legal status. The plan lays out an eight-year path to citizenship for roughly 10.5 million unauthorized immigrants living in the country.
While the final fate of Biden’s Build Back Better plan is unclear, as the Senate negotiates, the proposed legislation would grant 7 million unauthorized immigrants eligible to apply for protection from deportation, work permits, and driver’s licenses. If these privileges and protections are given, it could mean a massive quality of life increase for immigrants in the country.
2022 also looks promising for the Diversity Visa program, also known as the visa lottery. The Biden administration has proposed legislation to increase the annual total from 50,000 to 80,000 diversity visas, and Trump had sought to eliminate the program.
What Should I Do If I’m A DACA Recipient With Legal Problems?
If you’re an immigrant looking to change your status, renew a visa, or face any legal issue, contact Fay, Grafton & Nunez right away.
Every immigration case presents unique challenges, and employing an experienced immigration attorney is your best chance at staying in the United States. We know that even one small detail can make or break your case.
Our firm offers $200 immigration consultations to help jump-start your case. Please come prepared to your consultation with documents, your life and family history, any previous encounters with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and any work previous immigration lawyers have done.
