U. S. Citizenship Act of 2025

A bill regarding immigration is currently in Congress—the U. S. Citizenship Act of 2025. Below are essential points highlighting what the bill aims to achieve in terms of reforming immigration laws and procedures.

PROVIDE PATHWAYS TO CITIZENSHIP STRENGTHEN LABOR PROTECTIONS

Establish a path to citizenship for individuals without documentation. This bill permits undocumented people to seek temporary legal status, with the opportunity to apply for green cards after five years as long as they pass background checks concerning crime and national security, as well as fulfill their tax obligations. Dreamers, TPS recipients, and farmworkers who meet certain criteria can qualify for green cards immediately under this proposal. After three years, all green card holders who pass additional screenings and show their proficiency in English and knowledge of U. S. civics can apply for citizenship. Applicants need to be physically present in the U. S. on or before January 1, 2021. (*A waiver may be available for those deported after January 20, 2017, who were present in the country for at least three years before deportation).

The term "alien" will be replaced with "noncitizen" in our immigration laws.

Keep families united. The bill changes the family-based immigration system by reducing backlogs, reclaiming unused visas, shortening long wait times, and raising the limit on visas issued per country. It also removes the so-called "3 and 10-year bars" and includes provisions for permanent partnerships while addressing discrimination against LGBTQ+ families. Additionally, it offers protection for orphans, widows, children, and Filipino veterans who served with the U. S. during World War II. Furthermore, the bill allows immigrants with approved family sponsorship applications to temporarily join their relatives in the U. S. while they wait for green cards.

The legislation contains the NO BAN Act, which forbids discrimination due to religion and limits the president’s power to impose future bans.

Support the integration and citizenship of immigrants and refugees.

The bill addresses backlogs for employment-based visas, retrieves unused visas, shortens waiting periods, and removes caps on visas per country. It facilitates the process for graduates of American universities holding advanced degrees in STEM fields to remain in the U. S. ; enhances access to green cards for those working in lower-wage jobs; and eliminates unnecessary obstacles for employment-based green cards. The bill grants work authorization to dependents of H-1B visa holders and protects children from “aging out” of the system. Additionally, it introduces a pilot program aimed at boosting regional economic growth, authorizes DHS to modify green card issuance based on economic conditions, and encourages higher pay for non-immigrant, highly-skilled visas to avoid unfair competition with American workers.

Safeguard workers from exploitation and enhance the employment verification process.

PRIORITIZE SMART BORDER CONTROLS

Enhance existing border capabilities with technology and infrastructure.
Oversee the border and safeguard border communities.
Take action against criminal enterprises.

ADDRESS ROOT CAUSES OF MIGRATION

The legislation formalizes and funds the President's $4 billion plan over four years, which involves different agencies working together to tackle the root issues driving migration in the area. This includes boosting support for El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, but this increase is dependent on their success in lessening the deep-rooted corruption, violence, and poverty that compel people to leave their countries.

It establishes Specific Processing Centers across Central America for registering and managing migrant individuals seeking refugee resettlement and other legal migration options, either to the United States or other allied nations.

It revives the Central American Minors initiative aimed at reuniting children with their relatives in the U. S. Furthermore, it introduces a Central American Family Reunification Parole Program designed to expedite the process of bringing families together when family sponsorship petitions have been approved.

It aims to enhance the immigration courts and safeguard those who are vulnerable. The legislation broadens family case management initiatives, addresses backlogs in immigration courts, provides more training for judges, and upgrades technology used in these courts. Additionally, it brings fairness back to our immigration process by allowing judges and decision-makers the flexibility to evaluate cases and offer support to individuals who deserve it.

It also supports individuals seeking asylum and other at-risk groups. The bill removes the one-year limit for submitting asylum applications and allocates resources to lessen delays in processing. Moreover, it strengthens protections for those applying for U visas, T visas, and under the Violence Against Women Act,including increasing the limit on U visas from 10,000 to 30,000.