What Are the Immigration Benefits in the Build Back Better bill
On November 21, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Build Back Better (BBB) bill. This bill needs to be passed by the Senate and signed by President Biden before any part of this bill becomes law.
What Immigration Provisions are Included?
The only immigration provision the bill, as passed, allows almost all noncitizens who have been continually present in the since January 1, 2011 to apply, with payment of a fee, for “parole.”
What is Parole?
In the immigration context, parole facilitates certain individuals’ entry into and permission to temporarily remain in the United States. “Parole” allows noncitizens to remain in the United States.
While individuals who receive a grant of parole are granted entry into the United States, they are not provided an immigration status, nor are they formally “admitted” into the United States for purposes of immigration law. The distinction between an admission and a parole is a significant one under immigration law.
During the period of parole, any immigration enforcement actions are deferred.
What are the Benefits of this form of Parole?
This grant of parole is for a five-year period that can be renewed for another five-years. Once granted, it can only be revoked by commission of certain criminal terrorist acts.
During the period of parole, noncitizens are provided with employment and travel authorization and eligible for a regular driver’s license or identification card.
Parole also opens a more immediate path to a green card for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens and permanent residents. (Further explanation, below)
Who is Eligible?
- Noncitizens who have committed certain serious crimes or drug offenses
- Noncitizens suspected of terrorist activities
- Smugglers, polygamists, unlawful voters, and child abductors.
Confidentiality?
Any information provided in this process is confidential and cannot be used by ICE in any enforcement actions.
what happens now?
The Senate must also pass this bill. It is possible that they could change these immigration provisions.
Parole Opens a Path to Permanent Residence for Immediate Relatives of a Citizens or Permanent Residents
With parole, noncitizens, who are immediate relatives of citizens and permanent residents, may apply for permanent residents from within the United States. No trip to Juarez or long wait.
- Immediate relatives are spouses, children (under 21) and parents of US citizens