Proposed Congressional Bills Offer Paths to Legal Immigration Status

In recent years, support for a pathway to legal status  for undocumented people has become increasingly popular, especially because many are essential workers and have community ties such as spouses and children. FWD.us polling has shown that the majority of the U.S. public favor creating a pathway to legalization, ensuring the stability that undocumented families need.

There are also enormous benefits to the U.S. economy if Congress passes legalization laws. It is also estimated that undocumented immigrants gaining legal status would contribute $149 billion more after taxes to the economy each year. Tax revenue for the combined local, state, and federal taxes would jump up by $39 billion. Such benefits would be critical to America’s recovery from the pandemic.

There are proposed bills by legislators that would create avenues for around 93% of undocumented people. For undocumented essential workers, around 5.2 million people, Congress has introduced the Citizenship for Essential Workers Act. For undocumented people who’ve lived in the U.S. ten or more years, Congress could update the registry date, which would allow people who have lived in the U.S. since that date to be eligible for permanent residence. In addition, the House has passed the American Dream and Promise Act, which provides permanent status for Dreamers and those holding temporary protected status.

Overall, there are multiple proposals for undocumented immigrants to gain legal status. The American Dream and Promise Act and the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, which offers permanent residence to undocumented farmworkers and their families, have both passed the House of Representatives and the introduction of the Citizenship for Essential Workers to Congress points towards progress. For the vast majority of the undocumented population, the possibility of citizenship could become a reality.

This article is provided as an educational service and is not legal advice. Consult with an attorney for your specific circumstances.  For a comprehensive evaluation of your immigration situation and options, you are invited to call us at 214-393-4917, text us using our chat box, or complete our contact form.