CREATING AN EARNED PATH TO CITIZENSHIP FOR THE UNDOCUMENTED

• Author: Kelly Cooke
• Posted: 2024-08-16

President Obama recently announced a comprehensive immigration reform bill that would create an eight-year earned path to citizenship for the undocumented. The bill would give undocumented immigrants permanent status in the U.S. by 2021, as long as they pass a background check and pay taxes. This legislation is a step in the right direction, but we must keep in mind that many of the undocumented immigrants have no documentation.

The bipartisan Senate bill would create a new pathway to citizenship for the 636,000 undocumented immigrants in the U.S. that would allow them to work and stay in the country. It has been in the works for several years, with President Obama's administration trying to kill the program. DACA recipients are also known as "Dreamers," and the legislation would provide them a pathway to citizenship. Separate legislation was introduced by Democrats Linda T. Sanchez of California and Representative John Lewis of Kentucky.

The goal of this legislation is to help the undocumented obtain legal status and become citizens. The Dreamers, or undocumented immigrants who came to the U.S. as children, are eligible to apply for the green card. They must meet certain requirements to qualify for it, which includes undergoing a criminal background check, paying taxes, and having a job in the U.S.

The proposal to create an earned path to citizenship for the undocumented also addresses the issue of immigration reform in general. According to a recent Vox poll of 1,124 likely voters, more than 70 percent of respondents support the proposal. The same percentage supports it if the DREAMers are legal. By providing these immigrants with opportunities to work, the proposed reform will ensure that the undocumented immigrants can earn citizenship quicker.

While the current Immigration Reform Bill focuses on improving border security and addressing the root causes of migration, it also aims to help vulnerable migrants with an opportunity to apply for citizenship. A number of provisions are currently in the works to implement this legislation. The House bill is aimed at reducing barriers to legal residency for the undocumented and encourage immigration reform.

The President's plan includes a provision for the undocumented to become citizens through the process of obtaining a green card. After five years, the undocumented can then apply for citizenship. After five years, they must pass a background check and demonstrate proficiency in English. The United States will then award them citizenship.