America’s Children Act of 2021: Top Highlights

America’s Children Act 2021 came into the limelight lately due to its interesting claims and declaration for foreigners/aliens. If the bill gets passed, numerous undocumented immigrants may get U.S. citizenship without any legal status. Here’s what America’s Children Act include

Bill Highlights

It gives a chance for permanent residency to people who came to the U.S. at a young age. It is also for people under DED status, TPS recipients, essential workers, or people who graduated from schools or institutions. The bill also provides a pathway for essential workers with a consistent physical presence in the country.

It provides protection to Diversity Visa lottery winners who were unable to come to the U.S. due to Covid19.

It makes provisions to take back the unused visas and gives a waiver of numerical limitations for recipients of approved immigration visa petitions. They are the individuals who are waiting for their preferred dates to become present.

Who Would Benefit From The Bill?

The bill is beneficial for providing citizenship to individuals in Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals or DACA status. It is suitable for those who were not qualified for the same.

If someone is under Temporary Protected Status or Deferred Enforced Departure, they are eligible too. While the qualifications may be different, the key provisions will be as it is.

For permanent residency, people will not be disqualified on the basis of ineligibility. They should complete the background checks, medical or security checks, and other requirements. You can speak with a child custody attorney to get help with the matter.

An opportunity of Citizenship for Dreamers

As per the committee print by the House Judiciary Committee, foreigners are eligible to get permanent residence. However, they have to pay a supplemental fee of $1,500 and go for criminal checks. They should also be

Consistently present in the USA since Jan 2021.
Eighteen years or more when migrated to the U.S.
Residing in the country since their migration
They should establish a track record of service in the U.S. military.
Attaining or completing at least 2-year program to get a degree from U.S. institute of higher education/postsecondary credential from area career and technical education school (USA)
Enrolled in an institution of higher education (U.S.)
During 3-years, before opting for status adjustment, they should give proof of the income earned in the country.

An opportunity of Citizenship for Essential Workers

Employment-based immigrants could turn their status to permanent residence as essential workers by paying a supplemental fee of $1,500. They also need to go for background checks and other necessary steps. They need to show their presence in the country from January 1, 2021.

They need to indicate an income record with an occupation in the country as per the Advisory Memorandum. This should be within the COVID-19 response, i.e., January 31, 2020, to August 24, 2021.

An opportunity of Citizenship for Temporary Protected Status

Recipients of Temporary Protected Status could also get their status adjusted to permanent residence if they fulfill the supplemental fee.

They also need to undergo background checks, physical presence (3 years or more), and other requirements. It’s also applicable for people with Deferred Enforced Departure status.

Omitting Visa Bulletin Numerical Limitation Waiting Period Through Fees

Immigrants of family or employment category who are waiting in visa backlogs may get permanent residency. All they have to do is request a waiver of the numerical limitations and pay a fee.

Unused Visas and Protections for DV Lottery Winners

The immigrant visas that were not used between the years 1992 and 2021 will be recaptured. This includes around 226,000 immigrant visas within the employment and family category.

People who could not come to the U.S. (from 2017) due to the covid or Trump administration’s Muslim ban will have green cards reserved. They are called the diversity Visa winners. Are you traveling to the U.S.? Make sure you have travel insurance during the pandemic.

Conclusion

So that was all about America’s Children Act of 2021. This new bill has been welcomed well, and hopefully, it’s a path to success for Congress.