When President-elect Joe Biden takes office on January 20, 2021, he will inherit a number of failed immigration policies put in place by the Trump administration. Joe Biden’s immigration policies are expected to provide a return to normalcy for immigrants who have been subjected to the harsh and often unreasonable policies put in place by President Trump. Some of the most important elements to expect from Joe Biden’s immigration policies include a reinstatement of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) programs, an increase in admissions for refugees seeking asylum in the United States and a review of the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program to determine if expansion is appropriate.

DACA

One of the cornerstones of Joe Biden’s immigration policies will likely be the expansion of DACA and the establishment of a pathway to citizenship for those already in this program. Throughout his tenure as president of the United States, Donald Trump has attempted to tear down and remove the protections of DACA from eligible recipients. President-elect Biden is expected to shore up the legal protections offered by this program and to offer even more help to those who are currently allowed to remain and study in the United States under the DACA program.

Increased Help for Refugees

Ecological and economic disasters have created a significant influx of prospective immigrants to the United States. Many of these individuals have been turned away under the Trump administration without due process and without a chance to present their case in immigration court. Joe Biden is expected to look at the asylum process and to provide a practical framework that will allow potential immigrants to apply for asylum in an orderly and practical way.

TPS Approvals

Temporary Protected Status is awarded to individuals and families who are unable to live and work safely in their home countries. Hurricanes in Haiti, Honduras and Guatemala, economic upheaval and starvation in Venezuela and other issues have resulted in the awarding of TPS to some immigrants already in the United States. Biden is expected to look at this program more closely to see if expansions and continuations of TPS might be appropriate. Working with a New York immigration lawyer is often a good first step toward managing issues with visas and citizenship applications for those currently in the immigration system.

Retaining the services of a New York immigration lawyer can streamline the process for many immigrants in our area. At Pozo Goldstein, we can provide you with the legal support necessary to manage your situation effectively now and in the future. Give us a call today at 212-201-9031 to schedule an initial consultation with our team. We look forward to the opportunity to help you protect your own American dream.