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Countless of people have lost their opportunity to immigrate to the United States because their relatives who petitioned them passed away while waiting for a visa. I consider that this is a necessary regulation, since applicants must wait from 15 to 20 or more years, depending on the relationship and country, until they can get their visa available to become permanent residents (U.S. Visa Bulletin, Oct 2017). I wish that instead of a Humanitarian Reinstatement of the process, the USCIS could cut out the waiting time at least for those with humanitarian reasons because the principal motivation of making the immigrant application is not just immigrated to the United States but the family reunification.

In an era where digital systems increasingly shape our daily lives, our immigration policies must adapt to meet the evolving needs and challenges of the digital age. The recent policy change introduced under Public Law 107-150, the &quot;Family Sponsor Immigration Act of 2002,&quot; represents a crucial step towards modernizing our immigration system to serve immigrants and their families better. However, amidst the digital transformation, we must also address longstanding humanitarian concerns and inefficiencies in the immigration process.<br/>The amended regulations now allow for the appointment of substitute sponsors in cases where the original visa petitioner has passed away, providing a lifeline for immigrants facing uncertain futures due to unforeseen circumstances. This change is not only necessary but long overdue, considering the heartbreaking reality that many individuals have lost their opportunity to immigrate to the United States simply because their sponsoring family member has died while awaiting visa processing. The amendment acknowledges the fundamental principle of family reunification, a cornerstone of immigration policy, and seeks to mitigate the profound impact of familial loss on immigration prospects.<br/>I want to point out that this policy revision intersects with contemporary concerns surrounding the expanded use of digital platforms, such as CBP One, in immigration proceedings as &ldquo;The app has become the only way that migrants arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border seeking asylum at a port of entry can preschedule appointments for processing and maintain guaranteed asylum eligibility&rdquo; as mentioned by the webpage American Immigration council. While technological advancements offer the potential for streamlined processes and increased efficiency, they also raise significant questions regarding data security, privacy, and accessibility. As immigration cases increasingly rely on digital documentation and processing, it&#39;s crucial to ensure that these systems prioritize transparency, fairness, and accountability.<br/>Furthermore, amidst calls for reforming the immigration system to address humanitarian concerns, it&#39;s essential to recognize the systemic inefficiencies and delays in visa processing. The lengthy waiting periods, ranging from 15 to 20 years or more in some cases, underscore the urgent need for comprehensive reform. While a step in the right direction, humanitarian reinstatement only scratches the surface of the more significant systemic issues plaguing the immigration process.<br/>Rather than relying solely on humanitarian reinstatement as a band-aid solution, there&#39;s a pressing need to overhaul the immigration process to prioritize timely adjudication and family reunification. Streamlining visa processing, reducing bureaucratic hurdles, and enhancing transparency can alleviate the burden on immigrants and their families who navigate a complex and often opaque system.<br/>I believe this recent policy change regarding substitute sponsors signifies a positive step towards addressing challenges and humanitarian concerns within the immigration system. However, progress requires comprehensive reform prioritizing efficiency, fairness, and compassion. By embracing technological innovation while upholding the principles of equity and family unity, we can create a more just and humane immigration system for all.<br/><br/>Maass, Dave. 2024. &ldquo;CBP Is Expanding Its Surveillance Tower Program at the U.S.-Mexico Border&ndash;<br/>And We&#39;re Mapping It.&rdquo; Electronic Frontier Foundation.<br/><br/>Bier, David. &ldquo;Streamlining to End Immigration Backlogs.&rdquo; Cato.Org, 20 Apr. 2023, www.cato.org/people/david-j-bier<br/>