How Might U.S. Immigration Policy Change After the 2024 Election?

 Posted on July 08, 2024 in Immigration

Immigration has become an important political issue. In 2005, there were only about five percentage points difference in how Republicans and Democrats viewed immigration. Since then, that gap has widened significantly—in 2019, views on immigration between the two parties were 47 percent apart. Today, the issue of immigration takes the top spot with a majority of American voters. In April 2024 a Wall Street Journal poll found that immigration had edged out the economy and is now the most important issue for voters. Changing immigration policies from both parties has taken a toll on those trying to make the United States their home. The issue is crucial for the 11.4 million people who live and work in America but lack paperwork.

The future of immigration feels precarious for those whose very lives hinge on U.S. immigration policies. It can be beneficial to speak to a knowledgeable Dallas County immigration attorney from John W. Lawit, LLC to discuss your immigration status. A highly skilled lawyer can help you protect your current immigration status or achieve citizenship in the best way possible.   

How Could the November Election Affect Current Immigration Policies?

Regardless of the election outcome, it is likely the U.S. immigration system in the future will include lengthier processing times, an increase in procedural complexities, and even higher filing fees. On the positive side, it is also expected that there will be more automated and online services available for immigrants and their attorneys.

The presidential outcome is not the only determinant of how immigration policies may change. Party control of Congress and the Senate are equally important to what laws may be enacted.  Enhanced border enforcement will likely be a priority no matter which party gains political control. Below are some potential scenarios regarding immigration and the 2024 election.

A Democrat-controlled Congress and White House could result in a wider array of immigration options, possibly including:

• Residency and citizenship pathways for DACA beneficiaries, agricultural workers, and the adult children of work visa holders

• Elimination of immigrant visa country caps

• STEM workers could benefit from additional Green card and visa pathways

• Any unused immigrant visas from years could be "recaptured"

• An increased number of H-1B visas

• Legalization for undocumented noncitizens, especially the parents of U.S. citizens and permanent residents who pay any taxes owed and a significant fine

• Reduced visa processing times

A Republican-controlled Congress and White House might result in the following changes to immigration policies:

• New H-1B visa limits designed to only allow the "best and the brightest" immigrants into the country with no disadvantages to current U.S. workers

• The reinstatement of a prior Department of Labor Rule that raises the wages required to sponsor workers in the H-1B and other temporary visa categories

• Combining and restructuring of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CPB), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), as well as other departments

• Focusing USCIS from a benefit-granting agency to a vetting agency

• An increase in procedural requirements for all temporary work visa programs

• More aggressive enforcement of current immigration laws, including increased deportation

• Permanent authorization of E-Verify

• Increased limits on the Diversity Lottery visa program, student visas, and exchange visitor visa programs

Preparing for the Potential Immigration Impacts a Change of Administration Could Bring

Certain people could feel a major impact following the November election outcome. These may include:

• Future visa and entry bans for those from Gaza, the West Bank, North Korea, Somalia, Syria, Venezuela, Yemen, Libya, Iran, and Chad

• Changes for employees on TPS status

• Changes for employees on DACA status

• Changes for employees on H or L status with visa stamps expiring within a year

Contact a Dallas, TX County Immigration Attorney

At the Irving law firm of John W. Lawit, LLC, the goal is to provide comprehensive solutions for the broad array of immigration issues. We pursue every immigration eligibility avenue for our clients, always working toward a positive outcome. If you are facing an immigration issue, you need a Dallas County, TX immigration lawyer to provide you with compassionate assistance, regardless of the complexity of the issue. Contact John W. Lawit, LLC at 214-609-2242 today to have your questions answered in a thorough, yet easy-to-understand manner.