President Biden announced a new policy that grants protections to around 500,000 undocumented immigrants who are married to American citizens, allowing them a pathway to citizenship, work authorization, and protection from deportation. This action is considered one of the most significant pro-immigrant moves since DACA was implemented 12 years ago. The policy aims to help long-term immigrants who have been living in the U.S. for over a decade and building lives and families. The program also extends benefits to around 50,000 children of undocumented spouses who have become stepchildren to American citizens.
This initiative by President Biden allows undocumented spouses to remain in the U.S. while pursuing legal status, instead of being required to return to their home countries to complete the process for a green card. Eligibility for the program includes having lived in the U.S. for 10 years, being married to an American citizen as of June 17, having no criminal record, and being a parent of a child with an American citizen. The benefits for undocumented spouses will take effect by the end of the summer, allowing those eligible to apply for the benefits. The move has been praised by immigration advocates for focusing on long-term immigrants rather than recent arrivals.
The announcement of this policy comes amid ongoing challenges related to immigration at the U.S.-Mexico border and responses to illegal border crossings. President Biden has faced criticism from some Republicans, who accuse him of being weak on the border and granting amnesty to illegal aliens. However, Biden has emphasized the necessity of executive action due to Republicans in Congress refusing to act and blocking bipartisan immigration bills. By issuing this policy, Biden is showcasing his commitment to addressing immigration reform and pro-immigrant measures, especially in battleground swing states with significant numbers of voters in mixed-status households.
The new policy also includes measures to make it easier for Dreamers, including DACA recipients, to access work visas, which could eventually lead to obtaining a green card. This move aims to provide security and legal status to Dreamers in case DACA faces challenges or is eliminated in the future. Many DACA recipients, now in their mid-30s, have expressed concerns about the long-term survival of the program and the impact on their families. Immigrant advocates hope that Biden’s efforts will provide more stability and opportunities for DACA recipients like Monica Sandoval, an emergency room nurse, who enrolled in the program and hopes to secure a work visa and green card through her employer.
The program uses “parole in place” status, which allows noncitizens to live and work in the U.S. temporarily without facing deportation. This status has been utilized for other populations, including families of military members, and now extends to undocumented spouses of American citizens. The move has been described as a game-changer for many families who have lived with the fear of separation due to their immigration status. However, while some Democrats and immigration advocates have welcomed the new policy for undocumented spouses, concerns remain about the future of DACA and the need for comprehensive immigration reform to address the challenges faced by immigrants in the U.S.
Overall, President Biden’s announcement of the new policy to protect undocumented spouses and facilitate the process for Dreamers to access work visas signals a significant step towards addressing immigration reform and providing stability and security to long-term immigrants in the United States. The move is part of Biden’s broader efforts to balance immigration policies in response to ongoing challenges at the border while also supporting pro-immigrant initiatives. By focusing on providing legal status and pathways to citizenship for undocumented spouses and Dreamers, the administration aims to create a more humane and comprehensive immigration system that benefits individuals, families, and communities nationwide.
