Source: Congress.gov Bill Overview
Summary
The U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021 establishes a path to citizenship for certain undocumented individuals and makes broad reforms to U.S. immigration law. The bill replaces the term “alien” with “noncitizen” in immigration statutes and addresses a range of related issues.
Key Provisions
Lawful Prospective Immigrant Status:
- Creates a new status for noncitizens who have been continually present in the U.S. since January 1, 2021, and pass background checks.
- After five years, eligible individuals may apply for permanent resident status (green card).
Permanent Resident Status for Specific Groups:
- Provides permanent resident status to eligible noncitizens who:
- Entered the U.S. as minors (including DACA recipients),
- Were eligible for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) on January 1, 2017,
- Worked a certain amount of agricultural labor in the five years prior to applying.
- Provides permanent resident status to eligible noncitizens who:
- Other Major Provisions:
- Redefines “conviction” for immigration purposes to exclude expunged or vacated convictions.
- Requires the Department of State to implement a strategy to address root causes of migration from Central America.
- Establishes refugee processing centers in Central America.
- Requires Customs and Border Protection (CBP) sectors and stations to have a certain number of employees with qualifications such as paramedic training.
- Prohibits religious discrimination in granting or denying immigration benefits.
- Establishes grant programs for training and services to immigrants.
Legislative Status
- Introduced by Rep. Linda T. Sánchez [D-CA-38] on February 18, 2021.
- Referred to multiple House committees, including Judiciary, Ways and Means, Armed Services, and others.
- As of April 28, 2021: Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration and Citizenship.
For the full bill text and legislative history, see the Congress.gov bill page.