Will Biden’s New Immigration Plan Grant Citizenship to 500,000 Undocumented Spouses?
Today, the Biden administration announced a new immigration policy to help hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants who are married to US citizens.
This policy aims to give them legal status and a way to become citizens. It comes during an election year and is meant to provide relief to immigrants who have struggled with US immigration laws without being legal residents.
“Today’s announcement marks a critical step towards fairness and justice in our immigration system,” remarked President Joe Biden during the White House event. “We are providing a lifeline to hardworking families who have contributed to our communities for years.”
Under the new plan, immigrants residing in the United States for a minimum of 10 years and married to US citizens as of June 17, 2024, will now have the opportunity to apply for permanent residency.
This policy is expected to benefit approximately 500,000 individuals, including some 50,000 non-citizen children of US citizens, according to senior administration officials.
“In granting legal status, we are promoting family unity and strengthening our economy,” added Vice President Kamala Harris. “This is a significant move towards recognizing the vital contributions of immigrants to our nation.”
Unlike previous requirements, the eligibility criteria do not mandate a specific duration of marriage, offering flexibility to couples regardless of when they wed.
Once approved, applicants will receive a three-year work permit and crucial protection from deportation during the application process for permanent residency.
“The Biden administration’s commitment to inclusive immigration policies is commendable,” noted Senator Bernie Sanders. “This initiative will provide stability and opportunity to thousands of families across America.”
Previously, undocumented immigrants married to US citizens often faced the dilemma of leaving the country to pursue a green card, even if eligible for legal status.
The new policy eliminates this requirement, allowing families to remain united in the United States while undertaking the legal immigration journey.
The initiative is expected to particularly impact Indian immigrants, who constitute a significant portion of the undocumented population in the US. With India being the third-largest group of undocumented immigrants, this policy change is set to alleviate deportation fears and provide a structured framework for them to legally reside and work in the country.
Officials anticipate that the application process will commence by the end of the summer, although specific application fees are yet to be determined.
President Biden is slated to formally announce these plans at a White House event coinciding with the anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, underscoring his administration’s commitment to comprehensive immigration reform.
“While there is more work to be done, today’s announcement represents a significant step towards a more just immigration system,” remarked MSNBC News commentator Rachel Maddow.
The Biden administration’s latest immigration initiative marks a significant departure from previous policies and reflects ongoing efforts to address longstanding challenges in the US immigration system.