With the election of President Joe Biden in 2020, one of his top priorities was overhauling the U.S. immigration system, which had seen significant changes and restrictions under the previous administration. For citizenship seekers, Biden’s immigration reset represents both hope and uncertainty, as many aspects of the naturalization process and immigration laws are poised for revision. In this article, we’ll explore the key changes that have already taken place under Biden’s leadership, the potential shifts in immigration policy, and how these changes affect those who are seeking U.S. citizenship.
A New Approach to Immigration Policy
Upon taking office in January 2021, President Biden immediately began undoing many of the controversial immigration policies enacted by the Trump administration. His vision for immigration reform emphasizes a more humane and inclusive system, which aims to address the root causes of migration, promote family unity, and create a fairer path to citizenship for immigrants.
For citizenship seekers, this reset means a shift toward policies that prioritize legalization, fairer processing, and improved access to citizenship. Let’s break down the main changes Biden has implemented or proposed so far.
1. Reversing the Public Charge Rule
One of the most contentious policies under the Trump administration was the expansion of the public charge rule, which made it harder for immigrants to gain permanent residency (green cards) or citizenship if they had used public assistance programs like Medicaid or food stamps.
In early 2021, the Biden administration reversed this rule, signaling a return to the original interpretation that only immigrants who were primarily dependent on government assistance for survival should be denied citizenship. For citizenship seekers, this is a significant victory, as it removes a major barrier for those who had relied on public benefits but had previously been at risk of being denied citizenship under the Trump-era policy.
The return to the original rule means that many immigrants can now pursue their citizenship without fear of their use of public benefits disqualifying them, making the naturalization process fairer and more accessible.
2. A Pathway to Citizenship for Dreamers and Essential Workers
One of Biden’s key campaign promises was to provide a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers—immigrants who arrived in the U.S. as children and were previously protected under the DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) program. While the DACA program itself remains in limbo due to legal challenges, Biden has introduced legislation that seeks to create a permanent pathway to citizenship for Dreamers.
In addition to Dreamers, the Biden administration has emphasized a pathway to citizenship for essential workers—many of whom are immigrants. This group includes healthcare workers, agricultural workers, and other frontline workers who have been vital during the COVID-19 pandemic. Biden’s immigration reform proposal seeks to provide these essential workers with an expedited path to citizenship, recognizing their critical contributions to U.S. society.
For citizenship seekers, these proposals offer new hope, as they would directly impact Dreamers and essential workers who were previously left out of the conversation regarding immigration reform.
3. Revisiting the Citizenship Test and Naturalization Process
The naturalization process has been a subject of considerable debate, especially under the previous administration. One of the first steps Biden’s administration has taken is to review and reconsider changes made to the citizenship test by the Trump administration, which made the test more difficult and included additional questions. While the new test introduced in 2020 was not fully implemented, Biden’s team is looking into reverting to a more accessible version of the test, which will likely focus on ensuring that applicants have a general understanding of U.S. government and history, rather than requiring them to memorize overly complex details.
Moreover, Biden’s immigration plan seeks to streamline the naturalization process by reducing backlogs and making it easier for applicants to track their cases and access necessary support. This could result in shorter wait times for applicants seeking citizenship, as well as a more user-friendly system overall.
4. Expanding Immigration Pathways and Family Reunification
Biden has consistently emphasized the importance of family unity in immigration policy. Under the Trump administration, many family reunification programs were severely restricted, with long waits and limited opportunities for immigrant families to join their loved ones in the U.S. Biden’s administration has signaled a return to prioritizing family-based immigration, making it easier for U.S. citizens and green card holders to sponsor family members for visas.
Additionally, Biden has pushed for expanding immigration pathways for people fleeing violence and persecution, particularly from Central America. His administration aims to restore asylum procedures and ensure that those seeking refuge in the U.S. are treated with dignity and respect, which could indirectly benefit citizenship seekers by improving the overall fairness and efficiency of the immigration system.
5. Executive Actions on Immigration Reform
Biden has used executive orders to begin addressing immigration issues immediately, bypassing a Congress that has historically struggled to pass comprehensive immigration reform. One of his first actions as president was to reinstate the DACA program, offering protections for Dreamers. He also signed an executive order to review policies that negatively impacted immigrants, including the controversial travel bans, and to reassert the U.S. as a country of refuge and inclusion.
For citizenship seekers, these actions signal a shift toward more progressive immigration policies that prioritize legal pathways to citizenship, fairness, and the protection of human rights.
6. Proposed Immigration Reform Bill
Perhaps the most significant legislative change Biden has proposed is the U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021, a comprehensive immigration reform bill that includes a pathway to citizenship for the estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants currently living in the U.S. The bill also includes provisions to improve the naturalization process, provide support for refugees and asylum seekers, and reform the family-based immigration system.
If passed, this bill would have a major impact on citizenship seekers, particularly undocumented individuals who have been living in the U.S. for years. It would provide a clear, structured path to citizenship for those who meet specific criteria, allowing millions of immigrants to formally join the country’s civic life and gain legal recognition.
What Does This Mean for Citizenship Seekers?
Biden’s immigration reset offers hope and change for many aspiring U.S. citizens. From reversing harmful policies like the public charge rule to proposing a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, Biden’s reforms aim to create a more inclusive, fair, and efficient system for citizenship seekers. However, these changes are still in the early stages and require legal and political support to be fully realized.
For those seeking citizenship, the road ahead is still uncertain, but the Biden administration’s actions signal a move toward a more welcoming immigration system—one that recognizes the contributions of immigrants and provides opportunities for those who want to build a future in the U.S.
Conclusion
Biden’s immigration reset represents a stark contrast to the previous administration’s approach to immigration policy. By focusing on inclusivity, family unity, and creating pathways to citizenship, Biden has set a course that could benefit millions of immigrants who are seeking U.S. citizenship. While the path to reform remains challenging, the changes introduced so far signal a more hopeful future for citizenship seekers and immigrants in the U.S.