On Wednesday, January 20th, 2021, Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. was inaugurated as the 46th President of the United States of America. As he took over from the previous administration, President Biden made it clear that his approach would differ vastly from his predecessor’s. One of the most pressing issues he addressed right off the bat was immigration.
During his campaign, the President promised to provide a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, reunite separated families, strengthen protections for DACA recipients, and reverse Trump-era policies that unfairly targeted immigrants. These pledges, among others, have resonated with many Americans who have been living in fear of deportation and separation from their loved ones.
In his first weeks in office, President Biden has already begun to make good on his promise for reform:
First, he ordered a halt to construction of the border wall with Mexico, funded through an emergency declaration by Trump.
Second, he has ordered a review of the program known as “Remain in Mexico,” which requires asylum seekers to wait outside the US while their cases are processed.
Third, he has created a task force that will focus on reuniting parents who were separated from their children at the southern border, a policy put in place by the previous administration.
Fourth, he has also made changes to the deportation process by issuing a memo prioritizing enforcement against those who pose a threat to national security or public safety.
Fifth, President Biden has proposed a sweeping immigration bill that aims to offer a path to citizenship for millions of undocumented immigrants. The bill would also reduce the wait time for families to reunite, improve the visa system for workers, increase funding for training and integration programs, and address the root causes of migration from Central America.
The bill, which is now in the hands of Congress, has been met with both praise and opposition. While immigration advocates have hailed it as a crucial step towards justice, many Republicans have pushed back against what they view as a “mass amnesty” for undocumented immigrants.
Despite this opposition, President Biden remains committed to his immigration reform agenda. He knows that countless individuals and families have suffered under the harsh policies of the past administration, and he understands the importance of providing a pathway to citizenship and decent living for immigrants who have contributed so much to the country’s growth and prosperity.
In conclusion, the newly elected President of the United States, Joseph R. Biden Jr. has pledged to make immigration reform one of his top priorities. He has already taken action in his first weeks to ease fears and provide hope to those affected by the previous administration’s policies. The proposed sweeping immigration bill is a vital step in this direction and has the potential to positively impact the lives of millions of people. As a country built by immigrants, America owes it to itself to embrace all who seek a better life within its borders.
