Immigration changes in the United States – how to obtain political asylum within six months?

In 2024, the United States of America made significant changes to its immigration policy, particularly concerning the provision of political asylum. These changes aim to improve the immigration process, make it more efficient and fair, and ensure the safety and prosperity of both immigrants and society as a whole.

Consideration of Political Asylum Applications

One of the main changes in U.S. immigration policy in 2024 was the reduction of the time for considering political asylum applications from several years to just six months. This decision was made in light of the need to provide quick protection for people facing political persecution and violence in their countries.

Reasons and Consequences

1. Humanitarian Considerations: The acceleration of the process for considering political asylum applications was undertaken primarily for humanitarian reasons. This allows migrants at risk due to political, religious, or other types of persecution to receive protection and safety in the U.S. more quickly.
2. Economic Impact: Faster consideration of political asylum applications can also have a positive impact on the U.S. economy. Quicker integration of migrants into the country’s economic life can contribute to an increase in the workforce and diversity of cultural and intellectual capital.
3. Political Aspects: This change in immigration policy may also be related to political aspects and the administration’s desire to demonstrate humanitarianism and support for human rights on the international stage.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Quick Protection: Migrants at risk can receive protection and safety in the U.S. more quickly.
• Economic Growth: Faster integration of migrants into the U.S. economic life can contribute to economic growth and diversity.

Cons:

• Risk of Arbitrary Selection: Faster consideration of applications may increase the risk of arbitrary selection and insufficient assessment of the actual circumstances of the case.
• System Strain: Accelerating the process may place additional strain on immigration services, which could lead to errors and slowdowns in the future.

Changes in the Green Card Lottery Program

In 2024, changes were made to the Green Card lottery program aimed at improving the efficiency and fairness of the winner selection process. This included updating selection criteria, stricter monitoring of submitted applications, and enhancing security measures to prevent fraud and misuse of the program.

1. Updated Selection Criteria

In 2024, the selection criteria for Green Card lottery participants were updated. The program now focuses more on certain categories of immigrants who can make a significant contribution to the U.S. economy and culture. This includes specialists in various fields, entrepreneurs, as well as individuals with high levels of education and professional skills.

2. Enhanced Control and Security

To prevent fraud and misuse of the program, additional measures for enhanced control and security were implemented in 2024. This includes stricter verification of submitted applications for information accuracy, as well as the introduction of new technologies and methods for identity verification.

3. Improved Selection Process

To increase the efficiency and fairness of the selection process, changes were made in 2024 to the way the lottery is conducted. This included the use of more modern algorithms and methods for selecting winners, as well as improving transparency and accessibility of information for participants.

4. Expansion of Participation Categories

In 2024, the categories of participation in the Green Card lottery program were expanded to include more people with various educational backgrounds, professional experiences, and skills. This included increasing the number of available visas for certain professional specialties and fields of knowledge, as well as simplifying the application process for certain categories of applicants.

5. Increased Chances of Winning

As a result of the changes made to the Green Card lottery program in 2024, many participants may experience an increase in their chances of winning. Improved selection criteria, enhanced control, and expanded participation categories make this program more accessible and attractive to many potential immigrants.

Visa Policy Reforms

In 2024, significant changes were made to the visa policy in the United States, affecting various aspects of immigration and labor migration. These reforms were aimed at improving the visa application process, reducing bureaucratic obstacles, and increasing accessibility for various categories of immigrants. 

1. Simplification of the Document Submission Process

One of the key changes was the simplification of the document submission process for visas. The administration introduced new online services and platforms, allowing applicants to submit documents and fill out forms electronically, significantly reducing the time and effort required for preparing and sending an application.

2. Acceleration of Application Processing

To reduce the waiting time for decisions on visa applications, measures were implemented in 2024 to accelerate the process and increase the efficiency of consular services. This included increasing the number of staff, optimizing application processing procedures, and improving communication systems between various visa services.

3. Expansion of Visa Categories

In 2024, visa categories for various types of immigrants were expanded. This included increasing quotas for work and student visas, as well as introducing new programs and initiatives for specialists, entrepreneurs, researchers, and other categories of professionals.

4. Combating Fraud

To prevent fraud and illegal use of visa programs, additional measures for information control and verification provided by applicants were introduced. This included stricter criteria for document verification, as well as enhanced cooperation with other countries for information exchange on illegal migration and criminal activities.

5. Increasing Transparency and Accessibility

Visa policy reforms also aim to increase transparency and accessibility of information for potential immigrants. This included improving websites and resources for obtaining information about visa procedures, as well as expanding support and consultation programs for applicants.

Tightening Control over Illegal Migration

To combat illegal migration, new measures were adopted to tighten control at the borders and within the country’s regions. This included increasing the number of border services, expanding surveillance programs, and tightening penalties for violators of immigration laws.

Integration and Adaptation Programs

In 2024, various integration and adaptation programs for immigrants were implemented and expanded in the United States. These programs were launched to help new immigrants successfully adapt to life in the U.S., integrate into society, and acquire the necessary skills and resources for successful adaptation and becoming full-fledged members of society. Let’s consider some of them:

1. Language and Education Programs:

Within these programs, immigrants have the opportunity to learn English and other necessary skills for successful adaptation for free or at reduced rates. Courses may include both oral and written lessons, as well as classes aimed at familiarizing with American culture and customs.

2. Social Support and Counseling Programs:

These programs provide immigrants with access to social workers, psychologists, counselors, and other specialists who help resolve adaptation issues, administrative matters, and provide emotional support and advice.

3. Career Guidance and Support:

Many integration programs include career guidance, training, and support for immigrants wishing to start a new career in the U.S. This may include skill enhancement courses, job search assistance, and support during the initial employment stage.

4. Cultural Exchange and Understanding Programs:

To strengthen intercultural understanding and bring various communities in the U.S. closer together, cultural exchange programs, festivals, events, and other initiatives may be organized to create a favorable environment for communication and interaction between different cultural groups.

5. Education and Professional Development Programs:

These programs provide immigrants with access to educational resources, scholarships, grants, and other opportunities for learning and professional development. This may include both educational courses and academic preparation and professional training programs.

The administration has begun work on a large-scale immigration reform aimed at improving the entire immigration system, including the process of granting citizenship, family reunification, speeding up the process of considering political asylum applications, and more. This included discussing and adopting new laws and regulations aimed at improving and enhancing U.S. immigration policy.