The $1.75 trillion domestic budget has passed in the House on Friday November 19,2021. The bill, referred to as the Build Back Better bill, includes immigration benefits including the recapture of visa numbers and a five- to ten- year parole program for employment rights for qualifying individuals. This is the most extensive immigration reform effort that has been reviewed by Congress in over 30 years.

The immigration measures in the bill would allow undocumented people present in the U.S. prior to 2011 up to 10 years of work authorization. Although a path to citizenship isn’t included, as originally proposed, it does extend work authorization for a longer period. This parole approach will allow qualifying individuals to stay in the country for five years with the option of extending an additional five years. An estimated 6.5 million people may benefit from this approach.

The bill also includes visa recapture. Some 222,000 unused family-based visas and 157,000 employment-based visas that otherwise expired at the end of last fiscal year will become available if the Senate passes the bill as it currently stands. This benefit keeps immigration pathways open for those abroad who often wait years to immigrate to the U.S.

The bill now proceeds to the Senate. Based on the Congressional Budget Office review, it is estimated the bill will increase the federal deficit by $160 billion over a decade. As such, it is estimated that the Senate will adjust some measures included in the current bill.

We continue to monitor ongoing policy and budget efforts. If you have questions about your immigration-related issue, contact us. We put our expertise to work for you.