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John, Executive branch authority was used these past four years to dismantle the U.S. immigration system. That time is now over. Yesterday, President Biden took necessary action to begin to reverse some of the most devastating policies and start to build an immigration system our nation can be proud of. Here is what you need to know about these executive actions: 1. The Muslim and African Travel Ban has ended. Since 2017, the travel ban has kept apart thousands of immigrant families from 13 countries. The State Department will also be developing plans to reconsider visa denials issued under the ban. Reversing this discriminatory ban means families can reunite at long last. Background: 2. Draconian interior enforcement priorities are being reversed. Former President Trump had issued an executive order that eliminated immigration enforcement priorities, placing all undocumented individuals at risk of deportation, including families and long-time residents. Biden’s executive order reverses that policy and directs a Department of Homeland Security-wide review of immigration enforcement. DHS will implement a 100-day moratorium on almost all deportations effective Friday, January 22 and utilize interim enforcement priorities that focus on national security threats, recent border arrivals, and certain other people determined to be a public safety risk. Background:
3. Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals has been protected and fortified. This executive order calls on the Secretary of Homeland Security and Attorney General to work together to preserve and strengthen the DACA initiative. The need to pass permanent relief for Dreamers and other individuals remains urgent. Background: 4. Immigrants will now be included in the U.S. Census. Trump’s executive order calling on the U.S. Census to exclude undocumented immigrants from the 2020 Census has also been reversed. As a result, states will not lose out on congressional representation and federal funding due to an inaccurate census count. Background: 5. Deferred Enforced Departure for Liberians has been extended. DED has been extended for thousands of Liberians who have lived in the U.S. for many years. This extension gives people more time to apply for permanent residence under a December 2019 law—without risk of deportation. Background: 6. Border wall construction has been halted. Within seven days, all new construction on the border wall will be stopped. This will be followed by a review of construction contracts and the creation of a plan to redirect wall funds. The wall has cost American taxpayers billions of dollars, destroyed wilderness, and driven people seeking asylum to travel across dangerous locations. Background: These actions are just the beginning, with more announcements expected in the coming weeks. The American Immigration Council stands ready to work with the administration and Congress to create the fair, just, and welcoming immigration system we need. Sincerely, |
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