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Last month President Obama outlined his plans for 'executive action' to reform the US immigration system. This is after continued attempts at immigration reform via Congress failed.
In a television broadcast, Obama explained his reasons for taking this step. He said that the current system 'has been broken for a very long time, and everybody knows it.' He said that immigration is often a heated issue. He said that migrants come to the US to 'work and study, and serve in our military, and above all, to contribute to America's success.' Obama's speech also focused on increases to border security.
DADC Program
One of the new policies will be to expand the Deferred action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program to include migrants who came to the US prior to 2010 who were under the age of 16 at the time of their arrival. Additionally, 'probationary' immigration status will also be granted to the parents of US citizens and permanent residents currently in the US illegally. This will be known as Deferred Action for Parents (DAP) and will help ensure that families remain together.
Obama announced that more resources will be allocated to border security and in preventing illegal immigrants from crossing into the US. US immigration will also introduce measures to ensure that border enforcement staff can quickly deport migrants who have recently crossed the border.
Temporary Skilled Worker visas
There will be changes to the temporary skilled worker visa programs; More detailed information of the actual requirements for the L-1B visa will be provided and more H-1B visas will be made available for those affiliated with an institute of Higher education.. Obama has also promised to 'streamline legal immigration to boost our economy and promote naturalization.' The aim is to make it easier for highly skilled migrants working in the US, to be able to apply for a US green card (lawful permanent residence).
These changes will be implemented in the coming months. However, the Republicans have threatened to withhold funding for the implementation of these reforms. Impeachment proceedings may also be brought against the President.
Obama said 'I will not give up. I want to keep working with Members of Congress to make reform a reality.'
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