U.S. Policy Beats
Showing 231–240 of 260 results
Immigration Reform Tied to Homeland Security Bill
Disagreements over intelligence and immigration provisions stalled a post-9/11 Homeland Security Bill before the November 2004 elections.
Security Checks Affect Legal Immigration
Post-9/11 security requirements cut U.S. legal permanent resident admissions 34 percent in FY 2003, leaving a backlog of 1.2 million pending applications.
DHS Modifies Border and Visitor Policies
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) expanded expedited removal to border zones, extended Mexican border card stays to 30 days, and delayed biometric passport requirements until October 2005.
9/11 Commission Urges Immigration and Border Reform
The 9/11 Commission's July 2004 report called for integrated border screening, biometric passports for all travelers, and a National Counterterrorism Center.
Administration Seeks Homeland Security Progress Despite Setbacks
In mid-2004, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) offered a contested $10 billion US-VISIT contract and recorded a backlog of 3.7 million applications for immigration benefits.
Democrats Introduce Immigration Reform Bill
The May 2004 Democratic SOLVE Act proposed permanent legal status for unauthorized immigrants, directly challenging U.S. President George W. Bush's temporary worker framework.
Post-Sept. 11 Security Fears, Policies Seize Spotlight
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued new detention rules and a government commission declared post-September 11 immigration security measures largely ineffective in spring 2004.
Policy Changes Target Border Security
In spring 2004, the United States’ H-2B visa cap was hit for the first time; the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) also launched a drone-based Arizona border initiative and issued rules for the U.S.-Canada Safe Third Country Agreement.
Bush Boosts Immigration Enforcement in FY2005 Budget
President George W. Bush's FY 2005 budget doubled worksite enforcement, while the cap of 65,000 U.S. H-1B visas was hit early.
First Phase of US-VISIT Becomes Operational
The U.S. Visitor and Immigration Status Indication Technology System (US-VISIT) planned to launch at 115 airports in January 2004.
