John,

President Biden is working to turn the page on a dark chapter of our nation’s history. 

On Tuesday evening, Biden signed several executive orders that begin to rectify some of the most devastating policies of the Trump administration.

Here is what you need to know about these executive orders:

1. The Family Reunification Task Force

Hundreds of children are still separated from their families in the aftermath of Trump’s zero tolerance policy. Government officials had no plan to keep track of families after the initial separations, making reunification efforts even more difficult.

Biden’s executive order establishes the Family Reunification Task Force, which will work to reunite families after years of unjust, cruel separation. 

Background:

• Government Documents on Family Separation: Tracking the Policy’s Evolution, Implementation, and Harm

2. Addressing the Root Causes of Migration and Restoring the Asylum System

President Biden will implement a multi-pronged plan to ensure safe, lawful, and orderly migration to the United States. The administration will examine the root causes of migration to better understand what causes people to flee their homes.

It will also collaborate with foreign governments, international organizations, and nonprofits to build other countries’ capacity to provide asylum protections. 

The Department of Homeland Security has been instructed to rescind multiple Trump administration policies that have effectively closed the U.S. asylum process. This will include a thorough review of the so-called Migrant Protection Protocols. 

Background:

• How Biden Can Restore Humanitarian Protection at the Border

3. Repairing the Legal Immigration System 

All recent regulations, policies, and guidance that have limited legal immigration will go through a full review, including the USCIS fee hike, public charge rule, and health insurance proclamation.

The executive order also reestablishes the Task Force on New Americans, which will focus on promoting immigrant integration and inclusion. 

Background:

• The United States Needs a New Approach to Visas and Immigration Benefits

In less than two weeks, the Biden administration has signaled the arrival of a new era for immigrants.

A great deal of work remains to be done—but these recent actions represent a welcome shift away from the politics of division, racism, and xenophobia. 

Sincerely,


Jorge Loweree
Policy Director

The Council is only able to shape a fair, just, and welcoming
immigration system with support from readers like you.

         

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