Press Releases

LOS ANGELES, CA – Today U.S. Rep. Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) released the following statement on President Joe Biden’s two Executive Actions that will keep families together and further protect immigrants, including Dreamers:

“I grew up in a large family of immigrants who came to the U.S. to find a better life. Thanks to these executive actions today, more families like mine from across my district will be able to stay together, and more Dreamers will be able to work to help their families, our communities and our country,” said Gomez. “While this does not replace the urgent need for congressional action, it is the most significant step to improve our immigration system in over a decade. I’ll continue working with my colleagues to make these reforms permanent, keep families together and strengthen our economy.”

More information on the Executive Actions here.

Keeping Families Together

·       This new process will help certain noncitizen spouses and children apply for lawful permanent residence – status that they are already eligible for – without leaving the country.

·       In order to be eligible, noncitizens must – as of June 17, 2024 – have resided in the United States for 10 or more years and be legally married to a U.S. citizen, while satisfying all applicable legal requirements. On average, those who are eligible for this process have resided in the U.S. for 23 years.

·       This action will protect approximately half a million spouses of U.S. citizens, and approximately 50,000 noncitizen children under the age of 21 whose parent is married to a U.S. citizen.

Easing the Visa Process for U.S. College Graduates, Including Dreamers

·       Today’s announcement will allow individuals, including DACA recipients and other Dreamers, who have earned a degree at an accredited U.S. institution of higher education in the United States, and who have received an offer of employment from a U.S. employer in a field related to their degree, to more quickly receive work visas.

·       Recognizing that it is in our national interest to ensure that individuals who are educated in the U.S. are able to use their skills and education to benefit our country, the Administration is taking action to facilitate the employment visa process for those who have graduated from college and have a high-skilled job offer, including DACA recipients and other Dreamers.