As part of the Biden administration’s foreign policy, President Joe Biden has extended the immigration and visa protections granted to Hong Kong residents living in the United States due to potential security risks, persecution and human rights violations. This move has been met with widespread support among many, who praise the Biden administration for taking a stand to defend the rights and autonomy of Hong Kong citizens.
What This Extension Entails
The extensions will include the following measures:
• Addition of Hong Kongers to the list of nationalities eligible for the “18-month term” for overstaying their visas
• An expedited process for change of status to H-1B, a visa used for specialty occupation in the US, for Hong Kong passport holders
• Extension of Deferred Enforcement Departure (DED) for those in the US since before 2014
• Renewal of temporary protected status for those in the US since 1997
• An extension of the student visa grace period of 180 days to those who are eligible
Background of the Conflict
In 2019, the Chinese National Peoples’ Congress (NPC) decided to impose a national security law in Hong Kong which has resulted in many residents feeling they are at risk of potential persecution and violations of their basic human rights. After this move by the Chinese government, the United Kingdom and the United States offered temporary protection to those Hong Kong residents in their respective countries, granting them several immigration and visa benefits.
The Impact of the Decision
The Biden administration’s decision to extend the protective measures for Hong Kongers is immensely beneficial for those individuals who have obtained these benefits and for those who will gain them in the near future.
The main consequences of this decision are:
• Individuals from Hong Kong now have an easier path to obtaining visa and immigration status in the United States
• Hong Kongers get extended protection from deportation and other potential persecution
• A longer grace period for current students studying in the United States
• Hong Kongers gain a more affordable pathway to change of status via the H-1B visa
• Hong Kongers are given rights to due process, which will prevent any actions taken against them from being unjust or cruel
In addition to these practical benefits, the Biden administration is sending a clear message: the United States is committed to defending the rights and autonomy of Hong Kong. This is a move of support and solidarity at a time when Hong Kong’s freedom and freedom of speech are facing serious risks.
The Biden administration’s decision to extend the protective measures for Hong Kong citizens living in the United States has been widely praised and celebrated.
However, there is a growing criticism for Biden as some feel he could have done more to stand up to China’s violations of human rights and to support Hong Kong in its fight for autonomy and freedom. For example, while the decision to grant more visa and immigration protections is helpful, the Biden administration could have done more by stripping Chinese officials involved in the Hong Kong protests of certain visa benefits or imposing sanctions.
Despite these criticisms, the Biden administration’s decision to extend protections for Hong Kongers living in the United States is an important and incredible step forward, and should be celebrated. This decision will make life easier and safer for those Hong Kongers facing potential persecution, and sends a powerful message: the United States is committed to protecting human rights and democracy around the world.