Immigration reform has been hotly debated in recent years, both under the Obama and Trump administrations. Democrats have tried for some time to establish immigration relief without making much headway.
However, now the Build Back Better bill could bring relief to millions of undocumented immigrants — that is, if it passes in the U.S. Senate. Let’s take a brief look at the immigration reform portion of this bill and describe how it could positively impact many Florida immigrants.
Immigration reform could help our economy, too
According to Julio Fuentes, president of the Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, many industries are in critical need of workers. Immigration reform under the Build Back Better bill could address this problem while also giving immigrants more employment opportunities.
If it survives the Senate vote, immigration reform could:
- Provide 5.3 million undocumented employees, most of them essential workers, a chance to apply for the lawful right to work in the U.S.
- Provide these undocumented immigrants with legal work permits and protection against deportation.
- Provide a positive economic impact of about $17 billion every year after the bill passes.
- Provide business owners in Florida with a range of skilled workers ready and willing to put their talents to good use.
Undocumented workers and business owners would not be the only ones to benefit from the immigration portion of the bill. Many migrants bore children after coming to America. If Build Back Better passes, it can preserve the future for these kids by ensuring that immigrant families can remain together.
Until we know how the bill fares as it passes through the senate, those interested in keeping their loved ones in the U.S. should learn as much as possible about family immigration laws.