Simplify Immigration System: Rep. Pramila Jayapal Pushes for DHS Reforms

August 5 :
As Ranking Member of the Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement Subcommittee, Indian American Representative Pramila Jayapal leads a bipartisan effort to modernize and streamline the US immigration system with 16 other members. Lawmakers want DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and USCIS Director Ur Jaddou to approve a regulation to do the same. Changes aim to reduce processing periods and encourage the use of instantly available visas, among other difficulties.

The proposal would clarify and standardize the age calculation under the Child Status Protection Act for documented Dreamers, who are dependent on their parents' visa applications, to improve the immigration system. It also intends to allow spouses and identified Dreamers waiting for a green card to work. Religious workers in the employment-based green card 4th Preference category are relieved by the measure.

The plan would also change Temporary Protected Status travel authorization restrictions and allow workers on temporary visas to work while waiting for green cards. The immigration system needs major overhaul. Congress has failed to address the issue for decades. The lawmakers wrote that the Department can change the immigration system to better serve American families and the economy without congressional involvement.