WASHINGTON, DC – President Joe Biden is making a significant move during this election year to provide relief to hundreds of thousands of immigrants without legal status in the United States. This decision comes in response to the administration’s recent crackdown on the southern border, which stirred controversy among advocates and Democratic lawmakers.
The White House revealed that in the upcoming months, certain spouses of U.S. citizens without legal status will be able to apply for permanent residency and citizenship. This initiative is projected to impact up to half a million immigrants, according to senior officials. To be eligible, immigrants must have resided in the U.S. for a decade as of Monday and be married to a U.S. citizen. If approved, they would have the opportunity to obtain a green card and a temporary work permit, shielding them from deportation in the interim.
Additionally, around 50,000 noncitizen children with U.S. citizen parents could potentially qualify for this process. While there is no specific requirement for the duration of the marriage, those reaching the 10-year mark after Monday will not be eligible for the program. The administration foresees that the application process will open by the end of the summer, with fees yet to be determined.
President Biden is expected to discuss his plans at an event at the White House, coinciding with the 12th anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. This program, established during the Obama administration, offers protection from deportation and work permits to young immigrants without legal status.
Despite facing criticism for his recent asylum restrictions, Democrats aim to differentiate Biden from his potential GOP opponent, former President Donald Trump. Trump’s campaign accused Biden of encouraging illegal immigration with his policies, while allies of the President believe his approach will resonate with voters, particularly in regard to border security.
Moreover, Biden’s announcement includes new regulations to simplify the process for certain DACA beneficiaries and other young immigrants to qualify for well-established work visas. This move builds upon previous administrations’ efforts and is seen as a significant win for the immigrant rights movement.
Notably, the recent actions come after Biden’s strict measures at the U.S.-Mexico border, which sparked backlash from immigrant-rights groups. However, progressives who condemned the asylum order have praised the President for his latest initiatives. Representatives like Pramila Jayapal have commended Biden for his efforts to keep American families together through these policies.