The most recent budget bill does not include a path to permanent legal status, or a citizenship path, for undocumented individuals. The bill does include a temporary option that would grant a minimum of five-year parole, with an option of an additional five years. Qualifying undocumented immigrants would submit an application and fee to apply for parole. Individuals must submit and clear a security and background check.
The parole would grant qualifying individuals’ employment and travel rights, protection from deportation, and the option of applying for a driver’s license. However, immigration rights advocates state this is an insufficient solution.
On a positive note, a small group of Democratic senators is encouraging House members to include a pathway to legal status in the proposed budget bill. The budget package is, again, going through the reconciliation process. As such, the Senate parliamentarian has the option to approve or deny certain aspects of the bill. It’s important to note the parliamentarian has twice denied immigration proposals. Each of the previous attempts included a pathway to citizenship. It is unclear if this third attempt has a chance at being approved by the Senate parliamentarian. With the approval of the parliamentarian, only a simple majority is required to pass the budget bill.
The bill also includes a proposed recapture of unused employment- and family-based green cards that expired in previous years. For many undocumented individuals, this could be a good chance to become a permanent U.S. resident.
A budget of $2.8 billion is proposed to reduce visa processing backlogs under U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
ImmigrationUSA continues to monitor proposed legislation affecting immigration to the U.S. and options for a citizenship path. If you have questions about your status or immigration-related issue, contact us at ImmigrationUSA. We are committed to working with you for your particular situation, and are with you every step of the way.