The White House Fact Sheet: Biden-Harris Administration Launches Bold Initiatives to Empower Latino Families and Communities
President Biden and Vice President Harris are committed to creating more opportunities for Latino families and communities. Over the past three years, the Administration has taken historic steps, including creating over 15 million jobs (5 million for Latinos), supporting Latino entrepreneurs, ensuring equitable education, and addressing immigration system issues through new executive actions.
Today, the Biden-Harris Administration is announcing new measures to enhance educational opportunities for Latino communities and help more families achieve the American dream.
Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through Hispanic-Serving Institutions
Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) are crucial to our Nation’s future. With over 500 HSIs across 27 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico, HSIs educate more than 4.7 million students. Over 65% of Hispanic and Latino college students attend an HSI, with nearly 40% at two-year HSIs.
To enhance federal commitment to HSIs, President Biden will sign an Executive Order establishing the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through HSIs. This initiative and the President’s Board of Advisors will work to:
Increase awareness of opportunities for HSIs to participate in Federal programs and enhance their capacity to meet students' educational needs.
Identify best practices for HSIs to support educational success and economic mobility.
Align HSI program offerings with national and local economic needs, especially in STEM and teaching fields.
Help HSIs achieve fiscal security.
Foster collaboration among HSIs, philanthropic, public, and private sectors.
Strengthen federal recruitment at HSIs for accessible career pathways.
Provide tools, data, and analytics to support HSIs in improving educational equity and economic opportunity.
Making America’s Immigration System More Fair and Just
Since day one, President Biden has urged Congress to fix our broken immigration system. While Congress has not acted, the Biden-Harris Administration has taken steps to make the system more fair and just.
Today, the Administration highlights efforts to keep families together, support Dreamers, and expand access to legal representation and immigration services. These actions build on previous steps, including reducing the naturalization application backlog, defending DACA in court, extending Affordable Care Act coverage to DACA recipients, and instituting new programs for family unity.
Key Announcements
New Process for Keeping Families Together: On June 18th, a new process was announced to help U.S. citizens with noncitizen spouses and children who have been in the country for over 10 years. This will help about 500,000 spouses and 50,000 noncitizen children apply for lawful permanent residence without leaving the country. Starting August 19, 2024, eligible spouses and children can apply to obtain legal status while staying with their families.
Work Visas for Educated Young People: New actions will help DACA recipients and other Dreamers receive work visas more quickly, allowing them to contribute to the economy.
Expanding TRIO Program: The Department of Education is proposing a rule to expand the TRIO program, which helps low-income and first-generation students transition to college. This expansion will allow an estimated 50,000 more students each year to access TRIO programs and services.
Doubling “Attorney of the Day” Program: The Department of Justice will expand the program, making volunteer lawyers available in more immigration courtrooms.
Respondent Access Portal: A new secure online platform for unrepresented noncitizens to view case information and file documents.
Call to Action for Legal Community: The Administration encourages law firms, nonprofits, and other stakeholders to provide pro bono support for unrepresented noncitizens.
“USCIS to You” Initiative: This new initiative will bring immigration-related assistance to local communities, including naturalization interviews, oath ceremonies, and customer service appointments.
$2.6 Million for New Citizenship Programs: USCIS will help small public and non-profit organizations establish new citizenship programs and train staff to assist lawful permanent residents.
Additional Actions to Advance Opportunity for Latino Communities
Reducing Latino Unemployment: Achieving a near record low of 4.9%.
Supporting Latino-Owned Businesses: Now starting at the fastest rate in 15 years.
Doubling Latino Enrollment in Health Coverage: Through the Affordable Care Act.
Expanding Affordable Care Act Benefits to DACA Recipients.
Expanding Child Tax Credit: Lifted 1.2 million Hispanic children out of poverty in 2021.
Investing Over $15 Billion in Hispanic-Serving Colleges and Universities.
Securing a $900 Increase to the Maximum Pell Grant Award.
Canceling $167 Billion in Student Loan Debt: Benefiting 4.75 million borrowers, with Latino borrowers disproportionately burdened by student loan debt.
About Us
The Law Office of Nicholas J. Mireles, APC is an experienced Los Angeles-based U.S. Immigration Law firm practicing since 2013. Our background makes us uniquely well suited to help you with any issue relating to your immigration status.
We are happy to provide free initial consultations for any and all immigration matters, including seeking second opinions for those already represented.
Law Office of Nicholas J. Mireles, APC
411 West 7th St. Ste 310
Los Angeles, CA 90014
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