Expedite Processing of Family Preference Visa Petitions

Homeland Security
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1

As an Asian American, I would greatly appreciate if the Trump administration can look into reviewing and potential streamlining of the processing times for family preference visa petitions.

While I understand the need for thorough vetting, I believe that individuals who choose to pursue this legal pathway to reunite with their families demonstrate a commitment to following the law and contributing positively to our society.

Trustworthiness of Applicants:
Individuals applying for family preference visas undergo extensive background checks and security screenings. Their willingness to navigate this rigorous legal process indicates a respect for our laws and a desire to integrate responsibly into American society. These applicants are not seeking to circumvent the system; they are committed to following the established rules.

Economic Benefits:
Expediting family preference visa processing can bring significant economic benefits to the United States:

  • Skilled Workforce: Many family preference visa beneficiaries bring valuable skills and education, filling critical gaps in the workforce and contributing to innovation and economic growth.

  • Entrepreneurship: Family-based immigrants have a high rate of entrepreneurship, starting businesses that create jobs and stimulate the economy.

  • Tax Revenue: These individuals become taxpayers, contributing to Social Security, Medicare, and other essential programs.

  • Consumer Spending: Reuniting families boosts consumer spending, further stimulating economic activity.

Humanitarian Considerations:
Beyond the economic benefits, reuniting families strengthens our communities and upholds the values of compassion and family unity. Lengthy processing times cause significant emotional hardship and separation for families, many of whom have already endured long periods of waiting.

Recommendations:
I urge you to consider the following measures to expedite processing times:

  • Increase USCIS Staffing and Resources: Allocate additional resources to USCIS to reduce backlogs and improve efficiency.
  • Streamline Procedures: Identify and eliminate any unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles in the application process.
  • Expand Premium Processing: Make premium processing available for more visa categories to offer an expedited option for those who choose it.

By streamlining the process for family preference visas, we can uphold our values, strengthen our economy, and support the integration of individuals who are committed to becoming productive and contributing members of our society.

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Take a look at my proposal

Family Visa Backlog Reduction Act

Section 1: Purpose

To reform the family-sponsored immigration system by reducing the backlog of F3 and F4 visa categories, which are specific to families of U.S. citizens, and to align family reunification timelines more closely with those for families of permanent residents.

Section 2: Family-Sponsored Preference Categories and Filing Dates

The U.S. Department of State’s Visa Bulletin outlines different categories for family-sponsored immigration, each with separate waiting times based on the relationship to the petitioner.

  1. Family-Sponsored Visa Categories:

• F1: Unmarried adult children (21 or older) of U.S. citizens.

• F2A: Spouses and minor children of U.S. permanent residents.

• F2B: Unmarried adult children of U.S. permanent residents.

• F3: Married adult children of U.S. citizens.

• F4: Siblings of adult U.S. citizens.

  1. Long Wait Times for U.S. Citizen Family Categories (F3 and F4):

• F3 and F4 categories, specifically for families of U.S. citizens, have much longer waiting periods for filing green card applications compared to F2A and F2B, which are for families of U.S. permanent residents.

• For example, the filing dates for F3 and F4 categories often extend to decades, while F2A and F2B categories have shorter wait times.

Section 3: Maximum Waiting Period and Temporary Work Visa Program

  1. Establishing a Maximum Waiting Period:

• A cap of 5 years will be established as the maximum waiting time for family-sponsored visa applications in the F3 and F4 categories.

• If an applicant has been waiting longer than 5 years, they will qualify for a temporary work visa, allowing entry into the United States to work legally until their green card becomes available.

  1. Temporary Work Visa Eligibility:

• This visa will be available to applicants in the F3 and F4 categories who have exceeded the 5-year waiting period.

• Holders of this visa will be eligible for lawful employment in the U.S., fostering economic contributions while awaiting their green cards.

Section 4: Clearing the Backlog of Unused Visas

  1. Reallocation of Unused Visas:

• Unused visa numbers in the family-sponsored categories will be reallocated to F3 and F4 applicants to help reduce the backlog.

• Additional visas may be made available based on workforce needs, economic demands, and low birth rates, aiming to reduce extended waiting times.

Section 5: Ensuring Fairness and Reducing Border Crossings

  1. Reducing Incentives for Unauthorized Entry:

• By providing a structured, legal path for family reunification, this policy seeks to reduce the incentive for individuals to attempt unauthorized entry into the United States.

  1. Balancing Security with Opportunity:

• This policy prioritizes legal immigration paths, promoting family unity while maintaining border security.

Section 6: Reporting and Accountability

  1. Annual Visa Bulletin Review and Reporting:

• The U.S. Department of State will publish annual reports detailing wait times and processing statuses for each family-sponsored preference category.

  1. Evaluations of Policy Effectiveness:

• Regular assessments will ensure that this policy is meeting its goals to reduce backlog, promote family unity, and support economic growth.

Section 7: Effective Date

This policy will take effect 180 days after passage by Congress, with the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) responsible for implementing these changes.