Introduction of Reuniting Families Act
On Wednesday, two Democratic Senators, Mazie Hirono and Tammy Duckworth, unveiled new legislation designed to address significant challenges within the US immigration system. The Reuniting Families Act aims to reunite immigrant families and alleviate visa backlogs by increasing the per-country caps on family-based immigration visas, particularly benefiting nations like India and China.
Key Provisions of the Bill
The proposed legislation also incorporates Senator Hirono’s Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act, which would expedite the visa application process for descendants of Filipino World War II veterans. As a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Senator Hirono emphasized the importance of updating the nation’s family immigration system to reflect contemporary realities and promote familial unity.
Support from Lawmakers
In a statement, Senator Hirono underscored the necessity of comprehensive immigration reform, stating, “As the only immigrant currently serving in the US Senate, I am proud to introduce the Reuniting Families Act to update our country’s family immigration system and promote family unity. By reducing visa backlogs and exempting immediate relatives from visa limitations, this bill prioritizes keeping families united.”
Senator Duckworth echoed these sentiments by highlighting the systemic issues plaguing US immigration: “Our broken immigration system is filled with unnecessary barriers that have created long-lasting backlogs and separated families unfairly. This legislation proposes sensible reforms to eliminate family-based backlogs, ensuring more approved green card applicants can reunite with their loved ones.”
Anticipated Impact
The bill tackles critical issues within the current immigration framework by aiming to reclaim unused visas for redistribution and increasing per-country allocations. These measures seek to reduce processing delays and make it easier for families to remain connected while navigating the complicated immigration process.
Legislative Proposal Aims to Reform U.S. Immigration System
Recapturing Unused Visas
The proposed legislation plans to “recapture” unused visas from past years, adding them to the distribution quota of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This move aims to enhance visa availability while exempting close family members, such as spouses, unmarried children under 21, and certain parents of legal permanent residents, from visa caps.
Increasing Per-Country Caps
The bill seeks to raise per-country caps for family-based immigration, facilitating more visas for countries like India, China, Mexico, and the Philippines. It also provides government discretion in applying certain immigration “bars,” eliminating the need for individuals who unlawfully entered the U.S. to return to their home countries under unfair mandates.
Protecting Vulnerable Children
A key proposal within the bill is to protect children from “ageing out” of visa eligibility upon reaching 21 years old. This provision extends protection to step-children and children of visa holders. Additionally, the bill expands the possibility of canceling deportation orders by simplifying application processes for noncitizens facing extreme hardship due to a family member’s status as a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident.
Ensuring Equality for LGBTQ+ Families
Another vital aspect of the bill is its commitment to eliminating discrimination against LGBTQ+ families. It ensures equal treatment in immigration procedures for those in same-sex relationships, enabling partners to resettle together with their refugee spouses and allowing spouses entry into the U.S. if their partner is granted asylum status.
Statements of Support
Asian Americans Advancing Justice highlights that significant reform to the family-based immigration system hasn’t occurred since 1990, rendering it ineffective over time. “The Reuniting Families Act represents an improved system recognizing that families belong together,” noted a representative, expressing gratitude toward Senator Hirono for reintroducing this important legislative measure.
Todd Schulte, president of FWD.us, emphasizes that families shouldn’t endure decades-long waits due to outdated systems: “The Reuniting Families Act proposes sensible policies like recapturing lost visas and repealing harsh immigration bars that keep families apart,” he stated.
Kiran Kaur Gill from the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund underscores that the initiative prioritizes a framework focused on keeping American families united through effective reunification policies.
