**Navigating US Immigration: DHS Secretary Mayorkas Outlines Core Principles for H-1B Visas and Green Cards**
October 26, 2023
For countless skilled professionals and their families seeking opportunity in the United States, the H-1B visa and Green Card processes are critical pathways. Understanding the foundational philosophy guiding these essential immigration programs is paramount. In a significant address, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas detailed three crucial principles that underscore the Biden administration’s approach to US immigration, particularly concerning employment-based visas and permanent residency. These remarks offer vital insights for H-1B visa applicants, Green Card hopefuls, and stakeholders in the US immigration system.
Secretary Mayorkas articulated these principles as the bedrock of a fair, orderly, and humane immigration framework. First and foremost, he emphasized the **adherence to the rule of law**. This foundational tenet means that all individuals within the US immigration system, including H-1B visa holders and Green Card applicants, must comply with established legal statutes and regulations. It underscores the importance of integrity and compliance throughout the application and residency process, reinforcing that eligibility and adherence to legal requirements are non-negotiable for obtaining and maintaining immigration status.
Secondly, Mayorkas highlighted the administration's commitment to building an **orderly, safe, and humane immigration system**. This principle speaks directly to the experience of applicants and the efficiency of the system itself. For skilled foreign workers pursuing H-1B visas or seeking employment-based Green Cards, this translates to a desire for clearer processes, reduced backlogs, and a more predictable journey. It reflects an effort to streamline operations and ensure that the immigration system functions effectively while upholding the dignity of individuals seeking to contribute to the Unitedment. This is a clear departure from previous challenges that often led to uncertainty and delays.
Finally, the DHS Secretary underscored the administration's focus on providing **pathways to citizenship for eligible individuals**. While H-1B visas are non-immigrant work visas and Green Cards provide permanent residency, this principle signals a broader vision for comprehensive immigration. It suggests an underlying belief that those who contribute to American society and meet all eligibility requirements should have a clear path to becoming full citizens. For many H-1B visa holders, the ultimate goal is often a Green Card, followed by naturalization. This commitment reinforces the idea that the US values long-term integration and contribution from its immigrant communities.
Mayorkas also drew a distinct contrast with what he termed "remarkable things that happened in the prior administration." These comments implicitly refer to the significant tightening of immigration policies, increased scrutiny, and procedural hurdles faced by H-1B visa holders and Green Card applicants during the Trump era. The current administration, under Secretary Mayorkas, is actively working to dismantle those policies and rebuild an immigration system that is not only secure but also more efficient, compassionate, and aligned with American values.
In essence, Secretary Mayorkas's outlined principles serve as a clear directive for the future of US immigration. They signal a renewed focus on legal compliance, systemic efficiency, and the long-term integration of skilled workers and immigrants into the fabric of American society. For anyone navigating the complexities of H-1B visas and Green Cards, understanding these guiding tenets is crucial for anticipating policy direction and preparing for their immigration journey in the United States.
