Introduction
The U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021 was a landmark piece of proposed legislation introduced by President Joe Biden and his administration in January 2021. The bill represented one of the most ambitious efforts to overhaul the United States immigration system in decades. Its primary goals were to provide a pathway to citizenship for millions of undocumented immigrants, modernize the legal immigration system, address the root causes of migration from Central America, and enhance border security through technology and smarter enforcement rather than physical barriers. Although the bill did not pass into law, it set the tone for immigration debates in the early 2020s and remains a reference point for future reform efforts.
Background and Context
For years, the U.S. immigration system has faced criticism for being outdated, overly complex, and unable to respond to the needs of the country or the realities faced by immigrants. The last major immigration reform was the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, signed by President Ronald Reagan. Since then, attempts at comprehensive reform have repeatedly stalled in Congress, leaving millions of undocumented immigrants in legal limbo and creating backlogs for legal immigration.
The U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021 was introduced against the backdrop of a polarized political climate, a growing humanitarian crisis at the southern border, and the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted the essential role of immigrants in the U.S. economy, especially in healthcare, agriculture, and other frontline sectors.
Key Provisions of the U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021
1. Pathway to Citizenship
The bill proposed an eight-year pathway to citizenship for approximately 11 million undocumented immigrants living in the United States as of January 1, 2021. Under the plan, eligible individuals would be able to apply for temporary legal status (Lawful Prospective Immigrant status) for five years, provided they pass background checks and pay taxes. After five years, they could apply for a green card (permanent residency). After three more years, they would be eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship, provided they met additional requirements such as English proficiency and knowledge of U.S. civics.
2. Protections for Dreamers, TPS Holders, and Farmworkers
The bill offered immediate green cards to certain groups, including Dreamers (undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children and protected under DACA), recipients of Temporary Protected Status (TPS), and agricultural workers. These groups would not have to wait the initial five years and could apply directly for permanent residency, recognizing their contributions and unique circumstances.
3. Modernizing the Legal Immigration System
The U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021 aimed to clear visa backlogs, recapture unused visas from previous years, and increase the number of diversity visas from 55,000 to 80,000 annually. It also sought to eliminate per-country caps for employment-based visas, making it easier for highly skilled workers from countries like India and China to obtain green cards. The bill proposed reforms to family-based immigration, allowing families to reunite more quickly and providing protections for LGBTQ+ families and other vulnerable groups.
4. Addressing Root Causes of Migration
Recognizing that many migrants come to the U.S. to escape violence, poverty, and corruption in their home countries, the bill included $4 billion in aid over four years to address the root causes of migration from Central America. The plan called for increased support for anti-corruption efforts, economic development, and violence prevention programs in countries such as El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. The goal was to create safer and more prosperous conditions in migrants’ home countries, reducing the pressure to migrate.
5. Smarter Border Security
Rather than focusing on building a physical wall, the U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021 emphasized the use of advanced technology, such as surveillance systems, sensors, and drones, to monitor the border and detect illegal crossings. The bill also called for increased training and oversight of border agents to ensure humane treatment of migrants and compliance with U.S. laws and international obligations. It sought to improve infrastructure at ports of entry and invest in efforts to disrupt criminal organizations involved in human trafficking and drug smuggling.
6. Protections for Asylum Seekers and Refugees
The bill proposed reforms to the asylum system, including eliminating the one-year filing deadline for asylum applications, increasing the number of immigration judges to reduce backlogs, and providing legal counsel for vulnerable populations such as children. It also aimed to raise the annual cap on refugee admissions, which had been drastically reduced in previous years, and to create new protections for victims of violence and persecution.
Political Reception and Legislative Journey
The U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021 was praised by immigrant advocacy groups, business leaders, and many Democrats for its comprehensive approach and humane provisions. However, it faced strong opposition from many Republicans, who argued that the bill would encourage more illegal immigration and did not do enough to secure the border. The bill was introduced in both the House of Representatives and the Senate but did not advance due to the lack of bipartisan support and the filibuster rule in the Senate, which requires 60 votes to pass most legislation.
Despite its failure to become law, the bill influenced subsequent immigration proposals and executive actions. Some of its provisions, such as protections for Dreamers and TPS holders, were pursued through other legislative or administrative means.
Legacy and Continuing Debate
The U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021 remains a significant milestone in the ongoing debate over immigration reform in the United States. It highlighted the urgent need for a modern, fair, and effective immigration system that balances security, economic needs, and humanitarian values. The bill’s comprehensive approach continues to inform policy discussions, and its key provisions are likely to resurface in future reform efforts.
Conclusion
While the U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021 did not become law, it represented a bold vision for the future of American immigration policy. Its emphasis on a pathway to citizenship, family unity, economic growth, and humane treatment of migrants set a new standard for what comprehensive reform could look like. The challenges that prompted the bill—millions living in the shadows, outdated visa systems, and humanitarian crises at the border—remain unresolved, underscoring the need for continued action and bipartisan cooperation in the years ahead.