The U.S. Administration released a ‘blueprint’ that outlines key actions for Federal agencies to continue to implement the President’s immigration system. There are four key areas, each with their own specific tasks.

Ensuring a Secure, Humane, and Well-Managed Border

Per the blueprint, the administration emphasizes the need to support individuals who wish to apply for asylum while simultaneously managing borders and keeping them secure.

  • Use existing enforcement resources more efficiently: The administration suggests using funds to modernize technology and land ports of entry.
  • Improve the expedited removal process at borders: Fairly and efficiently determine who has legally valid claims for asylum and other protections offered by the U.S. and efficiently return those who don’t to their countries of origin.
  • Facilitating secure management of borders in the region: Improve border infrastructure and technology and promote collaborative efforts.
  • Strengthening anti-smuggling and anti-trafficking operations: Work with regional governments to combat human trafficking, migrant smuggling, and other crimes against migrants.
  • Bolstering public messaging on migration: Promote safe, legal, and orderly migrations.

Implementing Orderly and Fair Processing of Asylum Applications

Those legally seeking protection should be welcomed and supported. Those who do not have a valid legal basis for asylum will be returned to their home country.

  • Establishing a dedicated docket to consider asylum claims: Established a dedicated court docket for the fair and timely processing of asylum claims.
  • Further improving the efficiency and fairness of the U.S. asylum system: Allow asylum officers to adjudicate claims at the border. Work with international standards to create a harmonious, clear, and just eligibility standard.
  • Maximize legal representation: Work closely with pro bono providers and fund representations for families and vulnerable individuals, up to a budgeted amount.
  • Reduce immigration court backlogs: Hire additional immigration judges. Ensure prioritized cases are heard in a timely manner. To that end, The Department of Justice reinstated the ability of immigration judges to administratively close cases

Strengthening Collaborative Migration Management With Regional Partners

Expand U.S. and multilateral efforts to address dire humanitarian situations in Central America. Strengthen regional collaborative migration management.

  • Providing humanitarian support to address the acute needs that pressure individuals to abandon their home: The U.S. will address food insecurity and malnutrition, mitigate the impacts of successive droughts and food shortages, promote protection for vulnerable individuals, and support the rebuilding of homes and schools damaged by natural disasters.
  • Expanding access to international protection: Efforts will focus on resettling refugees and increasing protection efforts for at-risk groups.
  • Establishing Migration Resource Centers: Provide referrals to services for those looking for lawful paths to migration and protection.
  • Restarting and expanding the Central American Minors (CAM) program: Reunite children with parents in the U.S. and protect them. The CAM program was reinstated in March 2021 and additional categories were added in June 2021.
  • Expand refugee processing in the region: Include in-country processing for those in the Northern Triangle countries of El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala.
  • Expanding access to temporary work visas in the region: Additional H-2B visas have been made available for temporary non-agricultural workers from the Northern Triangle area.
  • Reduce immigrant visa backlogs: Continue to work toward the reduction of the backlog of those from the Northern Triangle countries.

Investing In Central America To Address The Root Causes Of Migration

Addressing the root causes of migration is fundamental to U.S. efforts. Issues including the lack of economic opportunity, governance, corruption, violence, and insecurity are the reasons why individuals flee their home countries.

  • Addressing economic insecurity and inequality: Focus on programs that create a business-building environment, economic growth, health, and education in the countries of origin. Increase trade with these countries and support workforce development.
  • Combatting corruption and strengthening democratic governance: Increase government transparency, promote human rights, sanction corrupt individuals, and provide protection to marginalized populations.
  • Promoting respect for human rights, labor rights and a free press: Work with governments and civil organizations to build these human rights.
  • Countering and preventing violence, extortion, and other crime: Support local organizations to strengthen existing policing and justice efforts.
  • Combatting sexual, gender-based and domestic violence: Working with governments and civil organizations, prevent violence and support victims.

The above elements can be implemented, to some extent, through President Biden’s executive authority. However, the U.S. Congress must also act. The below acts must be passed in order to fulfill the above.

The Dream and Promise Act (H.R. 6) and Farm Workforce Modernization Act (H.R. 1603)

This Act creates a path to citizenship for Dreamers, TPS recipients, and farm workers. The bills passed the House of Representatives. It’s now in Congress.

The U.S. Citizenship Act (H.R. 1177/S. 348)

This Act focused on reuniting families, making a workforce accessible to business, and creates a path to citizenship for those already living and working in the United States.

If you have questions about any immigration-related issue, contact us at ILBSG. Our expertise and experience go a long way to helping you achieve your immigration goals. We continue to monitor all immigration policies and keep our clients informed.

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