Latest updates to US immigration system

What are the latest updates to the US immigration system?

The U.S. strategy on migration changes frequently, often in accordance with new administrations or presidents.

Since President Joe Biden took office, some new strategy initiatives have been developed, some have been dismantled, while others have been strengthened or improved.

The administration has earmarked over $4 billion over the next four years to prevent the flow of migration from Central American countries including Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador.

This article outlines some of the recent changes to the U.S. immigration system, including common visa routes.

It should be noted that there are frequent changes in this area and you should always consult an immigration lawyer if you have any questions about your individual case.

EB-5 immigrant investor program

The EB-5 immigrant investor visa program as it currently exists is due to expire on June 30^th 2021.

If an agreement is not reached in Congress by this time, it is unclear what will happen to the future of the program.

The program was originally established in 1990 to attract foreign investors and to stimulate the U.S. economy.

There are two main requirements to be eligible for this visa: the capital investment requirement and the job creation requirement.

As there is some disagreement in how the program should be shaped, it now faces a deadline to be renewed or revised.

A reform bill is before legislators and it remains to be seen what will happen to the program.

Family immigration

The Biden administration recently announced that it would relax some regulations around Central American immigrants coming to the United States.

The new rule change will allow tens of thousands of eligible US immigrants to petition for their children to come to the United States legally.

The program was an Obama-era Central American Minors program to allow at-risk children journey to the United States if their parents had secured legal residence.

Cases that had previously been closed have been re-opened and the process has begun again for some families.

The announcement allows for individuals with pending applications for asylum or U visas (available to some victims of serious crime).

H1-B Visa Program

The popular H1-B work visa is also undergoing changes.  As a specialty, non-immigrant visa, it allows US businesses to employ graduate level workers in specialized fields.

These fields include IT, finance, accounting, architecture, engineering, mathematics, science, and medicine.

Currently, the number of available H1-B Visas is capped at 85,000 per year.  Changes have been made to the visa removing guidelines that place a priority on higher wages.

As well as this, changes have been made to lift proposed rules on a narrower definition of ‘specialty occupation.’

The removal of this regulation has been greeted with relief by many, including many international IT workers.

As well as this, there has been a reduction in the validity period for H1-B visa workers who have been employed at third-party job sites from three years to one year.

How can IAS help me?

IAS has some of the best immigration lawyers available to assist you through every step of the process.

We understand that it can be difficult to move countries to join a loved one or to take up employment in another country.

We provide the best possible service to all our clients, no matter how small or large their case may be. We provide tailored packages that best fit your needs and we are always on hand to communicate with you throughout the process.

Whether you need support with family-based green cards, spouse visas, or U.S. citizenship applications, you can be confident that we will be able to assist you. Similarly, if you need help with an appeal or your visa has been refused, we can outline all the options available to you and assist with the next steps.

Call us on +1844 290 6312 and one of our immigration lawyers will be ready to work with you on your case. We are available to speak over the phone or by online call.