According to the New York Times, a new 46-page draft blueprint obtained by the Times “maps out the Biden administration’s plans to significantly expand the legal immigration system show far-reaching efforts by President Joe Biden to remake the system and undo much of his predecessor’s legacy.”
The blueprint, dated May 3, 2021, and titled “D.H.S. Plan to Restore Trust in Our Legal Immigration System,” involves completely dismantling former President Donald Trump’s administration policies and replacing them with a new, streamlined system to expand and encourage legal immigration.
The plan aims to create shorter and simpler forms, speed up processing times and eliminate unnecessary roadblocks, making it faster and easier to immigrate to the U.S.
To achieve this goal, the administration plans to reduce paperwork and unnecessary administrative requirements, fast-track applications using electronic filing and expand the use of virtual interviews, as well as limit USCIS requests for evidence.
Many immigration proponents believe that once the administration has successfully pushed infrastructure funding and voting rights legislation through congress, the next focus will be squarely on immigration. Democrats remain hopeful in gaining support from some Republicans on Biden’s sweeping immigrant proposals.
However, most seem willing to use whatever means necessary to bring the desired changes necessary to revolutionize our U.S. immigration system, including pushing through a reform package using budget reconciliation to avoid the filibuster in the Senate, the use of emergency rules and presidential memos.
