What Biden Has Gotten Right on Immigration

David J. BierPresident Biden ’s handling of immigration is the subject of intense scrutiny and criticism from all sides. Much of this criticism is right, but the president has also implemented many positive policies. While it often acted too slowly and has much more to do, the new administration has already reversed the most important restrictionist policies imposed by the Trump administration.Major Big Picture ActionsEnding the “security” travel bansOn January 20, 2021, President Bidenfully rescinded President Trump ’s ban on immigration and certain travel for nationals of Iran, North Korea, Somalia, Libya, Syria, and Yemen (the original group from 2017) as well as for Nigeria, Eritrea, Tanzania, Sudan, Kyrgyzstan, and Myanmar (the second group added in February 2020).Rescinding the labor protectionist immigrant visa banOn February 25, 2021, President Bidenfully rescinded President Trump ’s worldwide ban on permanent immigration by almost everyone other than spouses and minor children of U.S. citizens. The ban was based on the fear that they would compete for jobs with U.S. citizens.Rescinding the “public charge” ruleIn February 2020, the Trump administrationimplemented a rule that, in effect, banned most family-sponsored and diversity lottery immigrants with low incomes. In March 2021, the Biden administrationrescinded this rule.Recovering immigrant visa processingOverall immigrant visa issuances have recovered to their pre-pandemic level and —for two months...
Source: Cato-at-liberty - Category: American Health Authors: Source Type: blogs