Biden New Act Will Make Citizenship Easier For H-1B Visa Holders' Children

President Biden welcomed the passage of the American Dream and Promise Act of 2021, by the House by 228-197 votes. The president described it as a critical first step in reforming the country's immigration system.

The US House of Representatives has passed 2 key bills that would create a pathway to citizenship for millions of undocumented immigrants, some migrant farmworkers and children whose parents immigrated legally to the country.

It will provide much-needed relief to Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders and Dreamers, young people who came here as children and know no other country, Biden said.

There are nearly 11 million undocumented immigrants, including over 5 lacs from India, according to a policy document issued by the Biden campaign in November last.

Among others, the bill also provides relief for foreign-born children of many nonimmigrant workers, including those on H-1B, who lose their legal status once they reach 21 years of age, which would allow many other promising young people to pursue their version of the “American Dream.”

The bill now moves to the Senate, which needs to pass the legislation before it can be signed into law by Biden.