The Democratic Party has proposed a new citizenship act that aims to make significant changes to the green card and H-1B visa systems.
The US Citizenship Act 2023, introduced by Congresswoman Linda Sanchez, outlines a pathway to citizenship for the 11 million undocumented immigrants residing in the country.
It offers immediate citizenship options for Dreamers, TPS holders, and certain farmworkers.
Additionally, undocumented immigrants who pass background checks and pay taxes would have a five-year path to citizenship without the risk of deportation.
The act suggests altering the employment-based immigration system by removing the per-country cap.
It also seeks to simplify residency for STEM advanced degree holders from US universities, enhance access to green cards for low-wage industry workers,
permit dependents of H-1B holders to work, and allow children of H-1B holders to work without age limitations.
The H-1B visa, which is highly anticipated, is a nonimmigrant visa utilized by US companies to hire foreign workers with specialized knowledge or technical expertise.
Many technology firms rely on this visa to employ thousands of individuals from countries such as India and China every year.
Furthermore, the bill introduces a pilot program aimed at promoting regional economic growth and ensuring fair competition by offering higher wages for high-skilled nonimmigrant visas.
It also addresses the family-based immigration system by eliminating the backlog, allowing families to remain together, and raising the per-country caps for family-based immigration.
The act also protects LGBTQ+ families, provides support for orphans, widows, and children, and permits
immigrants with approved family-sponsorship petitions to temporarily join their families in the US while waiting for their green cards.
Congresswoman Sanchez, who comes from a Mexican immigrant background, expressed her pride in introducing the US Citizenship Act.
She stated, “As the daughter of immigrant parents from Mexico, I am honored to introduce the US Citizenship Act – a bold,
transformative framework that will help fix our broken immigration system.”
Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries emphasized the vital role of immigrants in shaping America and called for a change in immigration laws.
He stated, “The American Citizenship Act will help us grow our economy, make our borders safer and more secure,
and provide a path to citizenship for the millions of immigrants already living and working here.
Citizenship Act to end country’s quota for green cards
