The Citizenship Act, presented by the Democratic party, aims to give unauthorised immigrants a path to citizenship. The Act aims to alter the H-1B visa system and do away with country-based Green Card quotas.

If approved, the Act might change the US immigration system, making it simpler for immigrants to live, work, and establish themselves in the nation. 

What Exactly Does the New Act Signify

With the Citizenship Act of 2023, presented by Congresswoman Linda Sánchez, all 11 million undocumented immigrants in the nation—including Dreamers, TPS recipients, and farmworkers—will have a clear path to citizenship. The act suggests modifications to the system of employment-based immigration, including the removal of per-country caps.

The proposed act aims to grant dependents of H-1B holders work authorisation, increase access to green cards for employees in lower-wage industries, and stop children of H-1B holders' children from ageing out of the system.

Additionally, the law establishes a pilot programme to promote regional economic growth and encourages the issuance of high-skilled non-immigrant visas with greater pay in order to shield these individuals from unfair competition with American labour.

By reducing backlogs, boosting family-based immigration, and ending prejudice against LGBTQ+ families, the Citizenship Act aims to modernise the family-based immigration system. Additionally, it offers children, widows, and orphans protection. As a result, while they wait for their green cards, immigrants can temporarily join their families in the US.

The US Citizenship Act, according to Congresswoman Sánchez, is a daring and revolutionary plan that would help mend the immigration system. She thinks that the act will boost the economy, secure the borders, and give millions of immigrants who are already present in the country and actively seeking employment a path to citizenship.

Hakeem Jeffries of the Democratic Party emphasised the contribution of immigrants to the development of America while urging reform of the immigration system. 

He said that because the US is a nation of immigrants who come from all over the world to create the beautiful mosaic that is America, the country's flawed immigration system needs a comprehensive solution rooted in those ideals. Additionally, Jeffries mentioned how diverse America is and how it ought to remain the envy of the globe.

Conclusion

The Democrats' Citizenship Act would reform the US immigration system and eliminate the country-based cap on green cards. It aims to end discrimination, give undocumented immigrants a path to citizenship, and get family-based immigration back on track.

FAQS

Does the Citizenship Act have an impact on the H-1B visa programme?

Yes, the Citizenship Act seeks to alter the H-1B visa system. Among the modifications are the granting of work authorisation to families of H-1B holders and the prevention of children of H-1B holders from ageing out of the system.

How long one might need to wait to get a green card in the US?

The time required to obtain a green card in the US may vary as per the applicant's place of origin and the kind of green card they are applying for. The waiting period may occasionally last for years or even decades.