(click PDF link below to read Presidential Memorandum on visa
modernization or click this link:
https://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/docs/final_visa_modernization_report1.pdf?utm_source=Visa+Modernization+Announcement+&utm_campaign=H-4+Announcement&utm_medium=email)
Today's release of the Presidential Memorandum on visa
modernization, the latest component of the President's executive action on
immigration announced in November, 2014 is welcome news, but reminds us that
the job is not done.
Unfortunately, more action could not be taken to address
visa backlogs because it requires legislative action. "Today's
announcement only further underscores the importance of the continued push for Comprehensive
Immigration Reform legislation that includes a path to citizenship," said
Suman Raghunathan, Executive Director of South Asian Americans Leading Together
(SAALT).
However, SAALT is very pleased to see that today's
announcement expands and expedites work authorization and economic opportunity
for some immigrant victims of domestic violence. Specifically, Department of
Homeland Security (DHS) will allow Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)
self-petitioners to simultaneously file for work authorization to reduce wait
times for survivors of domestic violence. Certain non-immigrant battered
spouses will also be eligible for work authorization. We applaud the many South
Asian Women's Organizations (SAWOs) around the country who have been advocating
for these changes for years.
We also welcome updates and clarifications to the U and T
visa programs that we hope will allow more victims of crime (U visa) and human
trafficking (T visa) to remain in the United States and access justice. These
include DHS publishing a regulation to clarify the U nonimmigrant application
procedure and the public charge exemption of inadmissibility as well as
publishing a comprehensive T nonimmigrant status regulation to reflect the
numerous changes in the law and application process.
Lastly, SAALT is pleased to see updates and clarifications
to the H-1B visa program related to job flexibility and documentation
requirements. These include improvements that will provide increased guidance
on job flexibility provisions for those seeking new employment and modify forms
for H-1B extensions to provide documentation of previous adjudications to
simplify the process.
"These important updates and executive action writ
large, while not legislative change, are a welcome step in the right direction.
Our nation and our communities continue to need just and inclusive immigration
reform legislation that includes a pathway to citizenship, keeps families
together, and expands economic opportunity for all aspiring Americans. We
remain committed to that ultimate goal," said Suman Raghunathan, Executive
Director of South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT).
