The Build Back Better Framework Proposes Much-Needed Reform
On October 28, 2021, President Biden announced the framework for the Build Back Better Act, a $1.75 trillion social policy and climate change bill that includes $100 billion allocated for the reformation of the U.S. immigration system.
If passed by Congress, the bill would be the largest social support legislation in the United States in over 50 years. Although the bill was passed by the House on November 19, many expect to see significant changes to its provisions from the Senate.
What do the proposed immigration provisions include?
➤ Reduce green card backlogs with funding to the USCIS by recapturing unused visa numbers that expired under the previous administration.
➤ Allow some applicants to expedite the green card process by exempting them from numerical limits (as well as per-country limits) if they’ve been waiting for more than two years since applying.
➤ Provide temporary protections and work permits to undocumented individuals. Work permits would be valid for 5 years and could be renewed once, extending protections through September 2031. Undocumented individuals who entered the U.S. prior to 2011 would have the ability to apply for this parolee status. This is not a pathway to citizenship.
The proposal to recapture unused green card numbers is especially exciting. This groundbreaking new policy would help many people who have been stuck in the system, some of whom have been waiting for many years for a visa to become available.
If passed without changes, the Build Back Better Act would provide long-overdue stability for millions of immigrants and their families.
The Build Back Better package will continue to be negotiated in the Senate, where it can be passed with a simple majority. If the Senate makes amendments to the bill (as they’re expected to do) the bill will be sent back to the House for reconsideration.
Our firm will closely monitor this legislation as it moves through Congress and will provide updates on its progress.