Coleman Jackson, P.C. | Transcript of Legal Thoughts Podcast
Published February 25, 2021.
Legal Thoughts is a podcast presentation by Coleman Jackson, P.C., a law firm based in Dallas, Texas serving individuals, businesses, and agencies from around the world in taxation, litigation and immigration legal matters.
This particular episode of Legal Thoughts is a podcast where the Attorney, Coleman Jackson is being interviewed by Reyna Munoz, Immigration Legal Assistant of Coleman Jackson, P.C. The topic of discussion is “The United States Citizenship Act of 2021”. You can listen to this podcast by clicking here:
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TRANSCRIPT:
ATTORNEY: Coleman Jackson
Legal Thoughts
COLEMAN JACKSON, ATTORNEY & COUNSELOR AT LAW
ATTORNEY: Coleman Jackson
Welcome to Immigration Thoughts
- My name is Coleman Jackson, and I am an attorney at Coleman Jackson, P.C., a taxation, litigation, and immigration law firm based in Dallas, Texas.
- Our topic for today is: The United States Citizenship Act of 2021
- Other members of Coleman Jackson, P.C. are Yulissa Molina, Tax Legal Assistant; Reyna Munoz, Immigration Legal Assistant; and Mayra Torres, Public Relations Associate.
- On this “Legal Thoughts” podcast our immigration legal assistant, Reyna Munoz, will be asking the questions and I will be providing the answers to the questions on this very important immigration topic: “The United States Citizenship Act of 2021.
Interviewer: Reyna Munoz, Immigration Legal Assistant
Question 1:
Attorney, I have been hearing a lot about President Biden’s Immigration Bill proposal. Can you tell me what this is all about?
Attorney Answers Question 1:
- Yes, Reyna. On January 20, 2021, the Biden Administration released a statement that states his immigration bill named the United States Citizenship Act of 2021 has been sent to Congress. This immigration bill creates a road map to citizenship for undocumented people, it keeps families together, embraces diversity, promotes immigrant and refugee integration and citizenship. Not only that, but it also includes growing the economy, it protects workers from exploitation and improves the employment verifications process.
- This immigration bill also discusses border protection by supplementing existing border resources with technology and infrastructure, manages the border and protects border communities, cracks down on criminal organizations, addresses the root cause of migration, improves immigration courts, and supports asylum seekers and other vulnerable populations.
- We are not sure if this bill will get through Congress, but we believe it is important to educate the public on the contents of this immigration bill proposal.
Interviewer: Reyna Munoz, Immigration Legal Assistant
Question 2:
Attorney, if this bill passes, who benefits from it?
Attorney Answers Question 2:
- If this bill passes undocumented people will be able to apply for temporary legal status. After five years, if they pass a criminal and National security background check and pay their taxes, they will be able to apply for a green card.
- Furthermore, dreamers, TPS holders, and immigrant farmworkers who meet specific requirements are eligible for green cards immediately under this legislation.
- Keep in mind that this is an administration proposal. It must be negotiated and approved by both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate and signed by the President in order to become law. There could be many modifications and compromises along the way. And this comprehensive immigration proposal may never become law.
Interviewer: Reyna Munoz, Immigration Legal Assistant
Question 3:
Attorney, what about US citizenship? Will undocumented people be able to apply for citizenship at any point?
Attorney Answers Question 3:
- Yes, Reyna. As a matter of fact, all green card holders who pass additional background checks and demonstrate knowledge of English and U.S. civics can apply to become United States citizens.
Interviewer: Reyna Munoz, Immigration Legal Assistant
That is amazing news!
Question 4:
What about the people that have an approved family-sponsorship petition outside of the United States?
Attorney Answers Question 4:
- This comprehensive immigration bill proposal provides a section on keeping families together. Those that have an approved family-sponsorship petition will be allowed to join their family in the United States on a temporary basis while they wait for green card to become available.
Interviewer: Reyna Munoz, Immigration Legal Assistant
Question 5:
Attorney, does the bill state anything on integration for immigrants and refugees?
Attorney Answers Question 5:
- Yes, the bill provides funding for state and local governments, private organizations, educational institutions,community-based organizations, and not for profit organizations. This funding is to expand programs and promote integrations and inclusion. It will also increase English-language instructions and provide assistance to individuals seeking to become citizens.
Interviewer: Reyna Munoz, Immigration Legal Assistant
That is great to hear, attorney!
Question 6:
How will this immigration bill help grow the United States economy?
Attorney Answers Question 6:
- This bill will give the Department of Homeland Security the authority to adjust green cards based on macroeconomic conditions and it will incentivize higher wages for non-immigrant, high-skilled visas to prevent unfair competition with American workers. It will also provide dependents of H-1B visa holders work authorizations and children will be prevented from aging out of the system.
Interviewer: Reyna Munoz, Immigration Legal Assistant
Question 7:
How will this immigration bill protect undocumented people in the workplace?
Attorney Answers Question 7:
- This bill will protect migrant and seasonal workers by increasing the penalties for employers who violate labor laws. It also grants greater access for U-Visa for workers who suffer serious labor violations and cooperate with worker protection agencies.
- Also, DHS and the Department of Labor will be required to establish a commission involving labor, employer, and civil rights organization to make recommendations for improving the employment verification process.
Interviewer: Reyna Munoz, Immigration Legal Assistant
Question 8:
Attorney, if this bill passes it will be very helpful for the undocumented community that meet certain requirements. However, what does this bill have to say in regards to border security and crime?
Attorney Answers Question 8:
- Reyna, you are right. If this bill passes it will be a great help for a lot of undocumented people. However, it will also provide more robust border security. This bill will provide funding for training and continuing education to promote agent and officer safety and professionalism. It will also provide budget to deploy technology to expedite screening and enhance the ability to identify narcotics and other contraband at every land, air, and seaport of entry. This bill also gives the ability to prosecute individuals that are involved in smuggling and trafficking networks.
Interviewer: Reyna Munoz, Immigration Legal Assistant
Question 9:
It’s good to hear that this bill also addresses border security and targets criminal activity. Does the bill say anything about finding the root source of migration?
Attorney Answers Question 9:
- Yes Reyna. This immigration bill will also dedicate funds to find the underlying cause of migration. It will also increase assistance to El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. It will also re-establish the Central American Minors program which will reunite children with U.S. relatives.
Interviewer: Reyna Munoz, Immigration Legal Assistant
Question 10:
Thank you, Attorney, for that information. What else does the bill say about protecting vulnerable individuals that are undocumented?
Attorney Answers Question 10:
- Well Reyna, this bill will reduce immigration court backlogs and will expand training for immigration judges. It will also restore fairness and balance to the immigration system. The bill will also eliminate one year deadline for filing asylum claims and will raise the cap on visas from 10,000 to 30,000.
- The U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021 sent to Congress by the President is in the first steps of the legislative process. Again, in order for this bill to become law, it must be passed by the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. There might be many changes along the way as this bill goes through the legislative process. Its fate in the legislative process is unknown. People should stay tune for further updates.
- Reyna, do you have any additional questions regarding the United States Citizenship Act of 2021 proposed by President Biden?
Reyna Munoz’s Concluding Remarks:
- No, I think those are all my questions for now Attorney. Thank you for explaining this important bill that if passed will change the lives of so many people that are undocumented.
- Our listeners who want to hear more podcast like this one should subscribe to our Legal Thoughts Podcast on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Spotify or wherever they listen to their podcast. Everybody take care! Follow us for more taxation, litigation and immigration Legal Thoughts from Coleman Jackson, P.C., which is located right here in Dallas, Texas at 6060 North Central Expressway, Suite 620 Dallas, Texas 75206.
- English callers: 214-599-0431 | Spanish callers: 214-599-0432. Portuguese callers: 214-272-3100.
Attorney’s Concluding Remarks:
THIS IS THE END OF “LEGAL THOUGHTS” FOR NOW
- Thanks for giving us the opportunity to inform you about “The United States Citizenship Act of 2021.”If you want to see or hear more taxation, litigation and immigration LEGAL THOUGHTS from Coleman Jackson, P.C. Stay tuned! We are here in Dallas, Texas and want to inform, educate, and encourage our communities on topics dealing with taxation, litigation, and immigration. Until next time, take care.
