If Kamala Harris were to become President in 2025, significant changes could reshape the landscape for legal immigrants and international students in the United States. Known for her advocacy of inclusive immigration policies, Harris would likely push for reforms that enhance opportunities for both groups.
Here’s a look at how the immigration process might evolve under a Harris presidency:
Legal Immigration
H-1B Visa Program: Harris might maintain and potentially expand the H-1B visa program. She is expected to focus on increasing transparency and fairness in the process, potentially boosting the number of visas available and ensuring an equitable selection process. Efforts could include streamlining applications and addressing backlogs to ease access for skilled workers.
L-1 Visas (Intracompany Transfers): Harris might improve the L-1 visa program by reducing processing times and removing bureaucratic obstacles. Her administration could also implement measures to protect L-1 visa holders, ensuring fair wages and working conditions.
Family-Based Immigration
Family Reunification: Harris is likely to emphasize family reunification in her immigration policy. She may work to broaden the categories of eligible family members and shorten wait times for family-based green cards. This could involve reversing previous restrictions to facilitate quicker and easier family reunification.
Employment-Based Green Cards: Harris might advocate for increasing the annual number of employment-based green cards and eliminating country-specific caps. This change would benefit immigrants from high-demand countries, like India and China, and could speed up the path to permanent residency for skilled workers.
Pathway to Citizenship: Harris could propose reforms to create a clearer, more streamlined pathway to citizenship for immigrants contributing to the U.S. economy, including those on work visas or with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status.
Public Charge Rule: Harris might reverse or modify the "public charge" rule to ease access to public benefits without jeopardizing immigration status. This reform would be part of a broader initiative to ensure immigrants have the resources needed to thrive.
DACA and Undocumented Immigrants: As a strong supporter of DACA, Harris may push for legislation to offer permanent legal status and a pathway to citizenship for DACA recipients and other long-term undocumented immigrants.
International Students
Support for International Students: Harris is expected to foster a more welcoming environment for international students. Her administration could simplify the visa application process and reduce barriers, including efforts to increase access to financial aid and scholarships.
Optional Practical Training (OPT): Harris might support the OPT program, which allows international students to gain work experience in the U.S. after graduation. There could be efforts to facilitate the transition from OPT to long-term work visas like the H-1B, keeping these pathways open and accessible.
STEM Fields and H-1B Transitions: Harris may particularly focus on international students in STEM fields, recognizing their contributions to innovation and the economy. Policies might include additional incentives and protections to help these students remain in the U.S. after graduation and transition to work visas or green cards.
Support for Higher Education: Under Harris, U.S. universities might receive additional support to attract and retain international students. This could include funding for diversity and inclusion programs, as well as initiatives to help international students succeed academically and professionally.
Harris’s administration would likely work towards creating a more inclusive and humane immigration system, ensuring fair treatment and protection against discrimination and exploitation for all immigrants.
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