With President-elect Joe Biden set to assume the presidency on January 20, he has set the ambitious goal of reversing his predecessor’s immigration policies. The scope of President Donald Trump’s influence can be measured in terms of policies—the Migration Policy Institute has identified more than 400 changes since 2017—but it can also be measured in terms of people—immigrants not coming to America, not receiving permanent residence, or being denied employment authorization and status.
This post explores the trends in immigration approvals and denials that the new administration must reverse to fulfill its campaign promises.
738,000 Fewer Immigrants From Abroad
Immigrant visas are issued to prospective legal permanent residents by the Department of State (DOS), usually following a petition by a U.S. sponsor approved by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Before President Trump, 86 percent of immigrant visas were issued to the immediate family members of U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents—spouses, children, parents, and siblings (and their spouses and minor children). Fiancés and their children also receive a K nonimmigrant visa that provides a path to permanent residence, so they are also included in Figure 1.
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