President Joe Biden is set to unveil a transformative new policy designed to shield hundreds of thousands of undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens from deportation. This significant move was confirmed by administration officials and is part of Biden’s broader strategy to reform the U.S. immigration system.
The policy specifically targets undocumented spouses who have been residing in the United States for a minimum of ten years. By offering these individuals the ability to work legally in the country, the policy not only provides much-needed security but also opens up economic opportunities. This change marks one of the most substantial relief efforts for undocumented migrants since the Obama administration’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) initiative in 2012.
According to White House estimates, over 500,000 spouses of U.S. citizens are expected to benefit from this new policy. Additionally, it will impact approximately 50,000 young people under the age of 21 whose parents are married to American citizens. This broad reach underscores the policy’s potential to significantly alter the lives of many individuals currently living in the shadows.
President Biden’s announcement comes strategically ahead of an event commemorating the 12th anniversary of DACA. This program protects over 530,000 migrants, often referred to as “Dreamers,” who entered the U.S. as children from deportation. By aligning the new policy with this anniversary, Biden reaffirms his commitment to creating a “more fair and just” immigration system, a promise he reiterated earlier in June. This latest policy initiative represents a concrete step towards addressing immigration, a critical issue for many voters as the presidential election approaches in November.
Senior administration officials detailed that undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens will qualify for these new protections if they have been in the country for ten years and were married by June 17. Those who are eligible will have a three-year window to apply for permanent residency and will receive a three-year work permit. On average, those who qualify have been in the U.S. for 23 years, with a significant majority originating from Mexico. These individuals will benefit from “parole in place,” allowing them to remain in the U.S. while their legal status is being adjusted.
Reactions to the policy have been mixed. NumbersUSA, an immigration reform group, has strongly criticized the policy, labeling it “unconscionable.” James Massa, the group’s chief executive, accused President Biden of overreaching his executive authority and misleading both voters and Congress. He contends that the policy essentially sends a message of amnesty to those who entered the United States illegally.
On the other hand, Alex Cuic, an immigration lawyer and professor at Case Western Reserve University in Ohio, highlighted the policy’s positive impact. While acknowledging that the policy affects a “narrow group,” Cuic stressed that it represents a significant step for undocumented immigrants facing complex legal challenges. He emphasized that this policy helps prevent family separations by allowing spouses to remain in the U.S. while applying for permanent residency.
The application process for this new policy is expected to commence by the end of the summer. In addition to this, the White House plans to streamline the visa process for highly skilled undocumented immigrants who possess degrees from U.S. universities or job offers in their fields, including Dreamers. This is part of a broader effort to retain talent within the country.
This announcement follows a recent executive order by President Biden that authorizes U.S. officials to expedite the removal of migrants entering the country illegally without processing their asylum requests once a daily threshold is met and the border is deemed “overwhelmed.” The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has already filed a lawsuit against this order, arguing that it contravenes U.S. immigration law. This legal battle highlights the ongoing tension and complexity surrounding immigration policy in the United States.
