The United States Senate has confirmed its first United States Citizenship and Immigration Service Director since 2019. Ur Jaddou will helm one of the largest agencies that fall under the Department of Homeland Security’s apparatus. Jaddou’s senate confirmation was 47-34, filling an essential immigration position that remained in command of acting directors for years. As both of Jaddou’s parents are immigrants of Mexican and Iraqi descent, she understands the pinnacle role of alleviating processing delays and developing a more equitable immigration process. As the first woman to be confirmed to head the USCIS, Jaddou’s position is historic.
Many of Biden’s current and proposed immigration policies will demand stable and confident direction. Jaddou is highly experienced in USCIS matters after serving in several roles at the agency and maintaining a long career in immigration law. Jaddou also led the President-Elect Biden Department of Homeland Security review transition team this past year. In a statement released by the Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas noted Ur’s experience while ensuring “she will administer our Nation’s immigration system fairly and justly.”
Director Jaddou acknowledges the Biden administration’s immigration agenda remains a top priority. Considering years of mismanagement and financial concerns, Jaddou will need to drive swift action to reinvigorate the agency. Plagued by the Covid-19 pandemic, USCIS has lost significant funds in application fees as borders and travel closed following March of 2020. In a personal statement, Jaddou highlighted that “Since January ‘2021’, USCIS has taken immediate steps to reduce barriers to legal immigration, increase accessibility for immigration benefits, and reinvigorate the size and scope of humanitarian relief.” It is clear that Jaddou is seeking to diversify agency initiatives while bringing efficiency to the forefront.
Former President Trump was highly successful at undermining our legal immigration system. Many of the policy actions he established were purposefully meant to exclude immigrants from participating in our immigration system. President Biden vowed to overhaul his predecessor’s policies. But his efforts have remained stagnant relative to the ambitious promises he set forth before his election. Commonsense immigration policy is vital to the prosperity of our nation. Millions of immigrants are fleeing their homes for the economic and social benefits of the United States. As a nation of immigrants and the world’s leader in humanitarian efforts, our role must continue to spread democracy while also caring for those that are fleeing heinous circumstances. With immigration policy that works in the favor of immigrants, our country can protect our global economic and humanitarian stance while improving the lives of millions.
Contact a Connecticut Immigration Attorney
Are you or a loved one planning on applying for legal status? Are you soliciting the guidance of a Connecticut Immigration Attorney? Look no further than The Law Offices of James A. Welcome. For nearly two decades, Attorney James A. Welcome has witnessed firsthand the effects of immigration policy developments on our clients’ cases. Attorney Welcome has consistently remained acquainted with the latest issues, ensuring his clients’ cases remain a priority while making modifications along the way as new opportunities or hurdles arise. Over the past few decades, immigration law has become a highly politicized subject. The differences in ideas and policy recommendations has led to complex litigation and lackluster improvements. There are long-lasting consequences if our immigration system is flawed. Our immigration system is not a cut-and-paste process, as many have experienced first hand the delays and hurdles. As administrations change and leadership is overhauled so do policy ambitions. Immigrant-friendly policies can be swiftly undone by executive action and policies that are meant to bring about change are often met by legal action. That is why meaningful legislation must be passed to protect the rights of immigrants. Our firm continues to advocate for effective legislation from congress that prioritizes a humane immigration system while balancing sound protections to our security.
Behind each immigration case lies a story. Many immigrants are often fleeing economic inequalities, political persecution, or even violence. The United States offers tremendous opportunities that numerous immigrants seek to resolve the issues that were abundantly present in their native country. Our diverse legal team understands the journey immigrants are faced with. Many of our staff are first or second-generation immigrants from Peru, Ecuador, Mexico, Turkey, and Macedonia. We are able to deliver a personal connection when we hear our clients’ stories. If you’re seeking an immigration team to fight for your rights, please consider calling The Law Offices of James A. Welcome. Our team knows a variety of languages including English, Spanish, Turkish, and Mandarin. We make accommodations around your schedule to ensure you get to speak with our team when it’s suitable for you. We work to deliver on your behalf, presenting competent legal representation throughout your case. Our representation is backed by integrity and a focus on achieving real results for our clients. Start your video consultation today by calling (203) 753-7300 or visiting us here. Ask your most pressing questions to a qualified immigration attorney at an affordable rate. The benefits of speaking to an attorney can help you make the right choice when it comes to your immigration case.