New way forward act
The New Way Forward Act (H.R. 5383) is a bill introduced in the United States House of Representatives in 2020 that aims to reform the country's immigration system and provide a pathway to citizenship for certain undocumented immigrants. The bill was introduced by Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) and has been endorsed by a number of progressive organizations and advocacy groups.
Key provisions of the New Way Forward Act include:
- Pathway to citizenship: The bill would provide a pathway to citizenship for certain undocumented immigrants who have been living in the United States for at least 5 years, have a clean criminal record, and meet certain other requirements.
- Immigration reform: The bill would also reform the immigration system by eliminating the "3- and 10-year bars" that prevent certain immigrants from applying for legal status or citizenship if they have previously been deported or removed from the country.
- Family reunification: The bill would prioritize family reunification by allowing certain family members of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to apply for legal status and eventually citizenship.
- DACA and TPS protections: The bill would provide permanent protections for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders, allowing them to apply for legal status and eventually citizenship.
- Border security: The bill would also provide funding for border security measures, including technology and infrastructure improvements, while also prioritizing humanitarian aid and support for asylum seekers.
- Immigration courts reform: The bill would reform the immigration court system by providing more resources and funding for judges, attorneys, and interpreters, and by establishing a more efficient and fair process for resolving immigration cases.
- Community-based solutions: The bill would prioritize community-based solutions, such as community policing and community-based services, to address the root causes of migration and promote safer and more humane communities.
The New Way Forward Act has been praised by many advocates for its comprehensive approach to immigration reform and its focus on providing a pathway to citizenship for certain undocumented immigrants. However, the bill has also been criticized by some for its potential impact on border security and the need for more robust measures to address the root causes of migration.
It's worth noting that the bill has not yet been passed by Congress and its fate is uncertain. However, it has been endorsed by a number of progressive organizations and advocacy groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union, the National Immigration Law Center, and the United We Dream network.