New Delhi: With the November election fast approaching, President Joe Biden and his likely opponent Donald Trump are making significant shifts in their immigration policies to win over ethnic minority voters. Both leaders are keen to attract votes from influential groups, particularly Indian-American families and Hispanics, the largest ethnic group in the United States.Bidens new immigration policyPresident Joe Biden has announced a series of immigration policy changes aimed at providing relief to non-citizen spouses of American citizens living without authorization in the US. This move is seen as a strategic effort to garner support from ethnic minorities ahead of the election.The new policy will allow immigrants to apply for work permits and protection against deportation if they have lived in the US for at least 10 years and meet certain requirements. However, only those who were legally married to American citizens by June 17 will qualify, potentially benefiting those who have been in the country for over two decades.Addressing the exit, re-entry ruleCurrent US law requires immigrants who entered the country illegally to leave and re-enter legally to qualify for a green card. This rule often results in long periods of separation from their families. Bidens proposal aims to allow immigrants to obtain a green card without having to leave the US, thereby creating a pathway to legal status for those who have been living without legal cover.Pathway to citizenshipIn addition to green card eligibility, Bidens program includes provisions for immigrants to acquire citizenship after living in the US for five years. This initiative is designed to promote harmonious integration into American society and ensure immigrants can fully participate as lawful citizens.Benefits for Indian-American familiesFor Indian-American families, the new policy offers significant benefits. It could increase household incomes by allowing both spouses, including undocumented ones, to work legally. This additional income can improve living standards and provide opportunities for higher education for their children.The policy also extends benefits to H4 dependent children, potentially granting them Employment Authorization Documents (EADs), allowing them to work summer jobs and save for college expenses.Addressing the backlogDespite these changes, the new policy does not address the existing backlog of green card applications. The 7 percent cap per country on green cards remains a barrier for many qualified Indians, a point that has drawn criticism.Trumps changing stance on immigration Donald Trump, known for his tough stance on immigration during his 2016 campaign, appears to be softening his rhetoric. In a recent podcast, Trump suggested that students graduating from American colleges should automatically receive green cards.This proposal aims to prevent a reverse brain drain by retaining talented graduates in the US. Trumps shift is seen as an effort to attract immigrant votes, especially from families with undocumented members or relatives waiting to migrate to the US.What are the political implicationsImmigration policies are a crucial issue in the upcoming election, with both Biden and Trump recognizing the importance of the ethnic minority vote. Pollsters suggest that the election could be closely contested, making these communities a valuable vote bank. By offering pathways to legal status and citizenship, both candidates aim to appeal to immigrant families and secure their support.As the election draws near, the focus on immigration policy highlights the strategic efforts of both Biden and Trump to win over ethnic minority voters. With significant policy shifts, they hope to address the concerns of immigrant communities and secure their votes in what promises to be a tightly contested election.
