The Senate’s current discussions center on ways to discourage illegal border crossings, the discussions also cover more general issues such as the relocation of Afghan refugees, the welfare of children whose parents hold high-skilled visas, and the granting of work permits to asylum seekers.
The Biden administration as well as a coalition of bipartisan Senate lawmakers have been working over the past few weeks to come to an agreement on a number of policies intended to stop the increasing number of illegal border crossings, which have increased to previously unheard-of proportions in the last three years.
Initially focused on improving US asylum laws, discussions have recently broadened to include plans allowing border agents to immediately expel migrants who exceed a certain number of illegal crossings.
The talks are also looking into raising the bar for passing asylum interviews including expanding expedited deportations for families traveling with children.
Deliberations on Afghan Adjustment Act in Immigration Talks
Notably, there have been deliberations to incorporate the Afghan Adjustment Act into the potential deal, a legislative proposal designed to afford tens of thousands of Afghans evacuated from Taliban-controlled Afghanistan the opportunity to secure permanent legal status.
Presently, these evacuees find themselves in a legal state of uncertainty unless they have obtained asylum or special visas granted to those who assisted American military forces.
Additionally, there is contemplation of a strategy to extend relief to the offspring of immigrants employed in the US under H-1B visas for high-skilled workers.
This particular demographic, often referred to as “Documented Dreamers,” confronts the prospect of self-deportation upon reaching the age of 21, as they lose the legal status derived from their parents’ visas.
Another proposal that is presently being negotiated would allow certain migrants who pass their initial asylum interviews to be eligible for legal employment in the United States.
Democratic leaders, who have voiced concerns about the influx of migrants finding it difficult to find jobs and support themselves, are likely to support this proposal