Biden promotes the first immigration reform in decades

The Biden administration entered the White House with the firm intention of restructuring the immigration system through comprehensive reform. The current president of the US aims to improve the alternatives available to all kinds of foreign communities, that is, legal immigration programs, in order to reduce irregular migration levels.

The reason why Biden supports comprehensive immigration reform is because, in his view, the local immigration system has been broken for quite some time and the previous administration, with former President Trump leading, tremendously affected the most vulnerable immigrant communities and hindered most existing processes.

One of the Biden administration’s main goals is to be able to offer a path to citizenship for millions of immigrants living in the US undocumented, a number that currently stands at nearly 11 million. During his first days in office, Biden unveiled a rather ambitious immigration bill, which, if passed, would pave this path to legalization and substantially transform the immigration system in general.

However, the Biden administration faces a monumental debate within Congress. At this point it is important to explain that the last comprehensive immigration reform was passed in the mid-1980s, 35 years ago.

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What were the repercussions of the last immigration reform?

In 1986, during the term of Ronald Reagan (40th President of the US), Congress passed the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA), which allowed nearly 3 million undocumented immigrants to apply for a Green Card and become LPRs (Lawful Permanent Residents).

According to a recent report by Vox, both the Biden administration and members of Congress should analyze what happened during the years following the last immigration reform and what would be the possible repercussions of passing similar legislation in our times. Recognizing and understanding the impacts of IRCA could give Congress the clarity it needs to end the controversy and debate and instead act on the immigration system.

For now, let’s talk about two important and clear points regarding the latest immigration reform, which is also the only one of its kind approved by Congress:

1. The impact on the country’s economy

Research conducted in 2010 revealed that, within the first 5 years after IRCA was implemented, the wages of immigrants included in the legalization program increased by more than 15% and, in the long term, increased by 20%.

According to the research, “Comprehensive immigration reform that legalizes currently unauthorized immigrants and creates flexible legal limits on future immigration in the context of full labor rights would help American workers and the U.S. economy”.

2. The impact on irregular immigration

One of the most recurrent views among opponents of Biden’s immigration reform is that legalizing undocumented immigrants could incentivize irregular migration. However, is that really the case?

Speaking specifically about IRCA, a 2011 study revealed that, between 1986 and 2000, border forces apprehended fewer undocumented immigrants compared to what would have happened without IRCA.

Thus, offering a legalization path to undocumented immigrants who meet certain eligibility requirements could be what the Biden administration needs in order to address mass irregular migration.

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Do you need help with an immigration case of any kind?

If you, a family member, or a friend need help with an immigration case, please contact Motion Law today to schedule a FREE Consultation with one of our expert immigration attorneys. Our team will be happy to guide you through your immigration journey in the US.

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