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USA Immigration Policy
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US immigration policy has always been divisive. Being immigrants in the US, we have faced many obstacles. Several of us found this difficult and long. We faced adversity, success, pain, and delight as we worked toward a better future. We experienced achievements and failures battling for our great country’s residents’ rights.
History of US immigration
Immigration into the US began shortly after its founding. From the first Pilgrim settlers in 1620 to today, when over one million new immigrants arrive, immigration has shaped the United States.
The United States has always attracted immigrants seeking economic opportunity, religious freedom, and social acceptance. They’ve encountered several legal and political obstacles, making the journey rough.
During World War Two, immigrants escaping Nazi Germany were welcomed, but later eras of immigration have been strictly regulated. During the Great Depression, government policies favored immigration. From Ellis Island’s opening in 1892 through President Trump’s Immigration Ban in 2017, US immigration has been marked by both success and failure.
US Immigration Requirements
Due to visa and immigration requirements, entering the US might be challenging. An individual’s home country’s US embassy or consulate must approve a visa. The applicant must also submit proof of lawful entrance, financial resources, and a consular officer interview.
Immigrants must complete all US immigration stages before applying for permanent residency (a green card). This includes getting authorization to work in the US, following all laws, being moral, and passing any background checks. The USCIS requires applicants to provide fingerprints, pictures, contracts, and other relevant papers.
Because it takes time to gather information and paperwork and navigate several government organizations, many people struggle with this procedure. It takes a lot of time. Despite these limitations, US residency has several benefits.
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These benefits include better job prospects, superior education, stable housing, and greater flexibility to pursue personal goals than they may have had elsewhere.
The US has always had discriminatory immigration policy
Many immigrants have struggled to enter the US. Unfortunately, explicitly discriminatory laws that barred non-white Europeans from entering contributed to this issue.
- Exclude Chinese from U.S
One of the most severe acts of prejudice in American history was the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, which banned Chinese immigration and naturalization. In 1943, a World War II deal with China suspended this statute. It existed before that year.
- Prohibit Immigration
The 1924 Immigration Restriction Act immediately reduced southern and eastern European immigration while prioritizing western European immigration. This act also set quotas for Latin American and Asian immigrants, which effectively barred many from entering the US.
Some laws have been abolished or changed, but their effects continue today. US immigration and national origin disputes are an example.
Work and Live in America
If you wish to settle in the US and create a family or career, you have various options.
Visas: Depending on your US plans, you can seek an immigrant or non-immigrant visa. You can enter and stay in the nation with either visa. Most non-immigrant visas are H-1Bs. It grants six-year work authorization. Immigrant visas give permanent residency in the US and require sponsorship from an employer or family member.
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Temporary work permits: Another route to get a non-immigrant visa is through temporary work permits like the H-2A program for agricultural labor or the H-2B program for seasonal work outside of agriculture. Temporary employment permits allow non-immigrant visas. These permits must be renewed annually to comply with immigration laws.
Permanence (Green Card): A permanent resident card, or green card, is the fastest way to live and work in the US. Foreign nationals who qualify through immigration categories including Fiancés and Refugees or through employer sponsorship receive this card.
There are other ways to live and work in the US permanently. If you have a green card, you can stay in the US indefinitely without worrying about visas expiring or having to be renewed annually. Nevertheless, a green card is not citizenship, and there may be other criteria to continue residing here lawfully.
US Economic Impact of Immigration: Immigration has helped the US economy. Immigrants often fill jobs that native-born Americans are unwilling or unable to do, increasing labor productivity and economic growth. The Economic Policy Institute estimates that immigrants add $2 trillion to US GDP annually.
Immigrants also have distinct skills. These abilities assist grow industries like education and technology. Immigrants also prevent wage stagnation by competing with native-born employees for jobs and working for less. Competition lowers US labor costs, which boosts GDP.
Immigrant money and buying power boost consumer expenditure. Statistics demonstrate that persons born outside the US are just as inclined to spend money on consumer items including cars, electronics, clothing, food, entertainment, and more. These things promote US firms, which enhance the economy by hiring US-born people.
US Immigrant Support Networks
The US provides a wealth of information and support for immigrants trying to settle in a new nation.
The following companies are well-known for providing these services:
ICR Animal Rescue (IRC)
This group assists refugees, immigrants, and asylum seekers start new lives in the US with tools and support. Almost 200 IRC stations in the US serve 23 million people worldwide.
Immigrantlegalresourcecenter.org (ILRC)
This non-profit works with legal experts, community organizations, policymakers, and others to educate and support US immigrants. They provide legal aid, activist training, and policy research and advocacy.
Immigration Law Center (NILC)
This group provides legal aid and immigrant rights education to low-income immigrant families. Users can access several immigration-related resources on their website.
National Network for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (NNIRR)
An union of 80 North American organizations defends immigrant rights. The National Network to Improve Race Relations (NNIRR) fights unfair immigration laws that harm human rights with local, state, national, and international allies.Several states have immigrant resource centers where people can speak with experts in topics like health care and employment. Whatever help you need,
The US immigration system’s successes and failures demonstrate the importance of public participation. Citizens must protect all visitors, regardless of nationality or legal status.
This commitment can be met by supporting or opposing immigration legislation, helping immigrants, or doing all three. Every immigrant story requires more understanding, compassion, and action.
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