Home
Politics
The bill, introduced by senators including Democratic Party icon Ted Kennedy, would put a priority on giving visas to US residents' spouses and minor children overseas.
It would provide more slots for immigrants by putting unused visas -- which were not assigned due to the creaky system -- back into the pool.
The bill would also give priority to World War II veterans from the Philippines along with their children.
It marks the latest measure to make amends with the group. Obama earlier signed into law a measure restoring benefits to Filipino veterans, who fought alongside US forces but were stripped of payments after the war.
The family bill has been championed by Asian-American groups, which say visa applicants from some nations face waits of more than 20 years. US law forbids them from visiting the United States while their applications are pending.
Senator Robert Menendez, another sponsor of the bill, said that the United States had "clear societal and economic reasons" to put a priority on reuniting families.
"Strong, unified immigrant families help maintain stable communities and tend to work hard, pay taxes and start businesses that create jobs," he said.
A similar bill will be introduced shortly in the House, according to the Asian American Justice Center, an advocacy group.
Obama has given few details on his eventual plans for immigration reform. But as a candidate he called for undocumented immigrants to have the chance to clear their status, provided they enter the process behind legal immigrants, learn English and pay a fine.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It would provide more slots for immigrants by putting unused visas -- which were not assigned due to the creaky system -- back into the pool.
The bill would also give priority to World War II veterans from the Philippines along with their children.
It marks the latest measure to make amends with the group. Obama earlier signed into law a measure restoring benefits to Filipino veterans, who fought alongside US forces but were stripped of payments after the war.
The family bill has been championed by Asian-American groups, which say visa applicants from some nations face waits of more than 20 years. US law forbids them from visiting the United States while their applications are pending.
Senator Robert Menendez, another sponsor of the bill, said that the United States had "clear societal and economic reasons" to put a priority on reuniting families.
"Strong, unified immigrant families help maintain stable communities and tend to work hard, pay taxes and start businesses that create jobs," he said.
A similar bill will be introduced shortly in the House, according to the Asian American Justice Center, an advocacy group.
Obama has given few details on his eventual plans for immigration reform. But as a candidate he called for undocumented immigrants to have the chance to clear their status, provided they enter the process behind legal immigrants, learn English and pay a fine.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
