The RAISE Act: A Solution or a Bigger Problem?

Senate Republicans are currently considering the Reforming American Immigration for a Strong Economy (RAISE) Act (S.1720), and the House is considering a companion bill, the Immigration in National Interest Act (H.R. 3775), both of which are designed to reform current American immigration laws. The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) strongly opposes both bills, on the grounds that it unfairly decreases levels of legal immigration over the next decade. According to AILA, the RAISE Act cuts the number of immigrants who are legally allowed to enter the U.S. by more than half, which does not take into account existing family members already in the U.S. and the needs of U.S. businesses. In fact, the RAISE Act essentially eliminates family-based immigration, restricting U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents to sponsoring spouses and minor children. What’s more the “points-based” system set up the RAISE Act does not take into account the economic needs of American businesses. Furthermore, the RAISE Act limits the number of refugees admitted to the U.S. to 50,000 per year. Finally, the RAISE Act eliminates the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, which historically has awarded 50,000 visas to immigrants from countries with typically low rates of immigration to the U.S. Cutting the number of immigrants who legally enter the United States is a major affront to current immigration policy, no matter whether they are seeking admission to the U.S. based on family-based immigration or refugee status. When combined with higher levels of deportations, the future of immigrants in our country is definitely at risk. As a result, legal representation is often a necessary step in working toward a better future for you and your family. Landerholm Immigration, A.P.C., knows federal immigration law and has the experience to guide you and advocate on your behalf throughout any type of deportation proceeding, no matter what the allegations may be. We are familiar with the wide range of defenses that are available to individuals facing deportation, and how to build the strongest defense that is available to you, based on the evidence relevant to your case. Contact your California deportation defense lawyers today, and discover what we can do for you.