In the run-up to the crucial US Presidential election, incumbent Joe Biden is poised to make a substantial announcement regarding the contentious issue of immigration. Neera Tanden, the President’s domestic policy advisor, gave a hint of what to expect at the USISPF Summit in Washington DC. She stated that America attracts talented immigrants from around the world, including those who come for higher education. However, due to current immigration policies, these individuals are often sent back, resulting in a loss of valuable innovation.
Tanden emphasized that while she couldn’t provide further details at this time, it was up to the President to make an official announcement. Reports in the US media suggest that an executive order may be passed to protect undocumented spouses of American citizens, potentially affecting around 500,000 individuals. This move is viewed as an attempt by Biden to appeal to Latino voters and demonstrate his commitment to immigration reform.
During President Obama’s administration, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program was launched, providing relief from deportation to over 500,000 individuals brought to the US as children. According to estimates from the Pew Research Center in 2021, Indians represent the third largest group of undocumented immigrants in the US after those from Mexico and El Salvador. The number of undocumented immigrants from India has been steadily rising since 2017 along with Guatemala and Honduras.
Overall, President Biden’s upcoming announcement on immigration is eagerly anticipated and has significant implications for both individual lives and the broader immigrant community in the United States.