KARIMI & ASSOCIATES LAW FIRM PRESENTS ACCORDING TO THE JURIST:

A comprehensive immigration bill creating an eight-year pathway to citizenship has been introduced by U.S. lawmakers through the 11 million undocumented individuals residing in the US.

Senator Bob Menendez formally introduced the US Citizenship Act of 2021,which co-sponsored by 11 other Democratic lawmakers. Under the bill, the Secretary of Homeland Security has the authority to change an undocumented individual’s immigration status if they satisfy some requirements, including passing a background check, paying taxes, and remaining in the US for five years. After the fulfillment of the conditions, they may apply for a green card and potentially obtain citizenship afterward.

The entirety of the process would take eight years to complete. Representative Linda Sánchez introduced the legislation in the House and described it as a “vision that provides long-overdue permanent protections, and restores humanity and American values to our immigration system.”

Republicans criticized the proposal, asserting that the measure fails to provide border protection and disrupts the labor market during a pandemic.

President Joe Biden signaled support for the bill, contending that “these are not Democratic or Republican priorities, but American ones.”