Bill Text: NJ SR13 | 2022-2023 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Memorializes President and Department of Homeland Security to expedite and prioritize certain immigration applications.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2022-01-11 - Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Law and Public Safety Committee [SR13 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2022-SR13-Introduced.html
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
220th LEGISLATURE
PRE-FILED FOR INTRODUCTION IN THE 2022 SESSION
Sponsored by:
Senator GORDON M. JOHNSON
District 37 (Bergen)
SYNOPSIS
Memorializes President and Department of Homeland Security to expedite and prioritize certain immigration applications.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
Introduced Pending Technical Review by Legislative Counsel.
An Assembly Resolution memorializing the President of the United States and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services in the Department of Homeland Security to expedite and prioritize immigration applications, green card applications, and other applications for individuals seeking U.S. citizenship classified as essential during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Whereas, In late 2019, the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) surfaced in Wuhan China and as it began rapidly spreading across the globe, the World Health Organization declared the spread of Covid-19 a pandemic; and
Whereas, The United States took action to inform and safeguard United States citizens at home and overseas and in order to limit the further spread of Covid-19, the United States reached agreements with many countries to limit all non-essential travel across borders; and
Whereas, During the Covid-19 pandemic, the United States government tightened restrictions on immigration and suspended approval of green card requests for immigrants abroad seeking United States residency and halted processing requests from green card applicants already residing in the United States; and
Whereas, Covid-19 has raised a host of difficult immigration issues for United States businesses, including the status of H-1B visa holders and international students, obtaining 1-9 verification for new employees and travel restrictions that limit mobility for international personnel; and
Whereas, Many immigration courts across the United States closed during the spring of 2020 due to Covid-19 concerns and a federal executive order in June 2020 placed a freeze on most, but not all, green card applications for the remainder of 2020; and
Whereas, Although it is of national importance to maintain the safety of our citizens through border restrictions during the Covid-19 pandemic, it is also imperative to ensure those seeking United States citizenship requesting to serve in healthcare fields, and other essential fields, during the Covid-19 crisis receive immediate due process of their applications; and
Whereas, The citizens of the State of New Jersey salute the service and sacrifice of these essential heroes and asks that their desire to become citizens be embraced with urgency by our great nation; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of New Jersey:
1. The President of the United States and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services in the Department of Homeland Security are respectfully requested to expedite and prioritize immigration applications, green card applications, and other applications in process or waiting for individuals seeking United States citizenship who are classified as essential during the Covid-19 pandemic.
2. Copies of this resolution, as filed with the Secretary of State, shall be transmitted by the Clerk of the General Assembly to the President of the United States and the Director the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services in the Department of Homeland Security.
STATEMENT
This Assembly Resolution urges the President of the United States and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services in the Department of Homeland Security to expedite and prioritize immigration applications, green card applications, and other applications for individuals seeking United States citizenship classified as essential during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Although it is of national importance to maintain the safety of our citizens through border restrictions during the Covid-19 pandemic, it is also imperative to ensure those seeking United States citizenship requesting to serve in the healthcare field, and other essential fields, during the Covid-19 crisis receive immediate due process of their applications.
This Assembly Resolution salutes the service and sacrifice of these heroes and asks that their desire to become United States citizens be embraced with urgency by our great nation.
Duly authenticated copies of this Assembly resolution would be transmitted to the President of the United States and the Director of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services in the Department of Homeland Security.
