The debate over U.S. immigration policies has intensified over the last week due to a surge of migrants at the U.S. border. As local organizations face a growing humanitarian crisis in their communities, and FEMA has been dispatched to the border to help manage the influx, the House is set to take up two immigration bills this week.
Recent administrations have all endeavored to address U.S. immigration policy, but there have been few lasting changes, a testament to the complexities of immigration reform. The Biden administration has listed immigration as a top priority issue, calling for creating an eight-year earned path to citizenship for immigrants who were present in the U.S. on or before January 1, 2021, and can pass a background check and pay taxes.
House Republicans unveiled a rebuttal to Biden’s plan this week, which would boost funding for border security, protect undocumented immigrants who came to the country as children, known as “Dreamers,” and provide a 10-year path to a renewable legal status for undocumented immigrants who have not committed any crimes.
It is unlikely that any comprehensive immigration proposal will pass in Congress – Biden’s proposal doesn’t have the votes to pass even in the Democrat-led House in its current form, some say. House Democrats are focused on two piecemeal bills instead: One would grant Dreamers a path to citizenship, and one would expand the number of seasonal farmworkers allowed to enter the U.S. and work legally. Both proposals are likely to pass the House, but again face long odds in the Senate because of the 60-vote hurdle and Republican opposition.
Take Action
The Senate voted to confirm the Democratic congresswoman to lead the Interior Department, an agency that will play a crucial role in efforts to combat climate change and conserve nature.
The Biden administration is coming under increasing pressure to address U.S. cybersecurity vulnerabilities following the Microsoft breach that has quickly been viewed as a massive threat to the U.S.
Take action: Learn more big tech, privacy, and innovation at our discussion on March 24th
It’s the invite-only social network that people are clamoring to join at the start of 2021, but Clubhouse is already raising privacy concerns – even for those who haven’t joined!
Take action: Attend our virtual discussion to learn more about privacy and technology.
Now that the coronavirus relief package is actually law, it is onto infrastructure. But infrastructure legislation will come with strings attached — very hefty new taxes.
Take action: Learn more about taxes in our Policy Circle Brief
The rush to slash police funding and add new limits on use of force in the wake of George Floyd’s death hasn’t stopped policing from emerging as a top issue in big city mayoral contests across the country.
Take action: To better understand law enforcement dive into our Policy Circle Brief.
Interested in diving deeper into these issues? Check out our latest events on Big Tech, censorship, free speech, and more.
The Policy Circle is a 501(c)(3), nonpartisan organization that provides pathways for women to become courageous, knowledgeable and active citizens who identify and take ownership of local solutions to the issues facing their communities. Please consider supporting our mission and developing your own leadership skills by becoming a financial supporter.
Want to share your Policy Circle story? Email us at communications@thepolicycircle.org to learn how to get involved. And follow us on social: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.