Biden’s New Plan Offers Pathway to USA Citizenship for 500,000 Immigrants
The Biden administration has introduced a new program offering deportation protection, work permits, and a pathway to USA citizenship for up to 500,000 immigrant spouses of US citizens. This initiative aims to alleviate the long separations that families face under current immigration laws. Presently, these laws require individuals who crossed the border illegally to return to their home countries to complete the green card process.
Program Details and Eligibility
To qualify for this new program, an immigrant must have lived in the USA for 10 years as of June 17, 2024, and be married to a US citizen. Senior administration officials have stated that this policy could affect upwards of half a million immigrants. Approved applicants will have three years to apply for a green card. In the meantime, they will receive a temporary work permit and protection from deportation.
Including Noncitizen Children
Additionally, about 50,000 noncitizen children with a parent married to a US citizen could potentially qualify for the same process. There is no requirement regarding the duration of the marriage. Eligibility is fixed to those meeting the 10-year residency mark by June 17, 2024.
Application Process and Fees
Officials anticipate that applications will open by the end of summer. However, the fees for this process have yet to be determined. This announcement coincides with the 12th anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. DACA is a key Obama-era directive offering deportation protections and temporary work permits for young undocumented immigrants.
Encouraging Legislative Support
White House officials have encouraged House Democrats to return to Washington for the announcement. Alongside this, Biden will introduce new regulations to help certain DACA beneficiaries and other young immigrants qualify more easily for established work visas. These new regulations aim to provide more robust protections than DACA’s temporary work permits.
Leveraging Existing Authority
The policy leverages the “parole in place” authority previously used by Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama for family members of military personnel. This process allows qualifying immigrants to pursue USA permanent residency without leaving the country. It removes a significant barrier for those without legal status but married to American citizens.
Border Policy Changes
This announcement follows Biden’s recent border policy changes, which halted asylum claims for those arriving outside designated ports of entry. This directive has led to a reduction in border encounters and is currently facing legal challenges from immigrant-rights groups. These new measures seek to balance border security with humanitarian considerations.
Impact on Families and Communities
The new policy aims to strengthen families and communities by providing stability and security. By offering a pathway to USA citizenship, the administration hopes to address the challenges faced by many immigrant families. This initiative is part of a broader effort to reform the immigration system and provide fair opportunities for those who have built their lives in the USA.
Conclusion
In summary, the Biden administration’s new program offers a significant opportunity for up to 500,000 immigrant spouses of US citizens to achieve USA citizenship. By addressing long-standing issues in the immigration system, this policy aims to create a more humane and just process. The program’s success will depend on effective implementation and support from lawmakers and communities.