President Joe Biden has announced an executive action aimed at protecting undocumented spouses of American citizens from deportation. This significant policy move is expected to shield approximately 500,000 immigrants currently residing in the United States.
The White House revealed this election-year initiative on Tuesday, emphasizing its objective to “keep families together.” This announcement follows pressure from immigration advocates and Democratic lawmakers, as well as Biden’s efforts to win over Latino voters in key battleground states.Under the new policy, noncitizens who have been in the country for at least ten years and are married to U.S. citizens, along with their children, can apply for permanent residence without the need to leave the country.During a White House ceremony, Biden described the policy as a “commonsense fix” to an overly complex and risky system that often separates families. The order, set to take effect this summer, will not apply to recent arrivals but will benefit those who are “paying taxes and contributing to our country.”“This is the biggest thing since DACA,” said an immigration advocate familiar with the matter, referencing the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program initiated by President Barack Obama in 2012.The White House underscored its commitment to border security and dismantling people-smuggling networks, while also highlighting the importance of lawful immigration pathways and family unity. The policy statement noted that eligible spouses have been in the U.S. for an average of 23 years.In addition to protecting spouses from deportation, the program aims to simplify the process for some undocumented immigrants to obtain green cards and pursue U.S. citizenship. Work permits may also be granted on a case-by-case basis.The policy includes provisions to expedite work visas for DACA recipients with higher education degrees seeking employment in their fields.Republicans, including former President Donald Trump, have strongly criticized the executive action. Trump, speaking at a campaign rally in Wisconsin, vowed to rescind the policy if re-elected. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., labeled the initiative as “granting amnesty” and warned it would encourage illegal immigration and endanger Americans.Legal challenges to the new program are anticipated, with Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin, D-Ill., highlighting the necessity of passing legislation to provide lasting security for these individuals. However, he acknowledged the difficulty of achieving this in a politically divided Congress.
President Joe Biden has announced an executive action aimed at protecting undocumented spouses of American citizens from deportation. This significant policy move is expected to shield approximately 500,000 immigrants currently residing in the United States.
The White House revealed this election-year initiative on Tuesday, emphasizing its objective to “keep families together.” This announcement follows pressure from immigration advocates and Democratic lawmakers, as well as Biden’s efforts to win over Latino voters in key battleground states.
Under the new policy, noncitizens who have been in the country for at least ten years and are married to U.S. citizens, along with their children, can apply for permanent residence without the need to leave the country.
During a White House ceremony, Biden described the policy as a “commonsense fix” to an overly complex and risky system that often separates families. The order, set to take effect this summer, will not apply to recent arrivals but will benefit those who are “paying taxes and contributing to our country.”
“This is the biggest thing since DACA,” said an immigration advocate familiar with the matter, referencing the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program initiated by President Barack Obama in 2012.
The White House underscored its commitment to border security and dismantling people-smuggling networks, while also highlighting the importance of lawful immigration pathways and family unity. The policy statement noted that eligible spouses have been in the U.S. for an average of 23 years.
In addition to protecting spouses from deportation, the program aims to simplify the process for some undocumented immigrants to obtain green cards and pursue U.S. citizenship. Work permits may also be granted on a case-by-case basis.
The policy includes provisions to expedite work visas for DACA recipients with higher education degrees seeking employment in their fields.
Republicans, including former President Donald Trump, have strongly criticized the executive action. Trump, speaking at a campaign rally in Wisconsin, vowed to rescind the policy if re-elected. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., labeled the initiative as “granting amnesty” and warned it would encourage illegal immigration and endanger Americans.
Legal challenges to the new program are anticipated, with Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin, D-Ill., highlighting the necessity of passing legislation to provide lasting security for these individuals. However, he acknowledged the difficulty of achieving this in a politically divided Congress.
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