President Joe Biden has announced a groundbreaking policy that will protect over 500,000 undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens from deportation. The initiative, set to take effect later this summer, aims to provide legal status and work permits to those who have been in the country for at least 10 years.
Speaking at the White House, Biden emphasized the importance of creating a fairer and more just immigration system. “The steps I’m taking today are overwhelmingly supported by the American people,” he said. As per to the source bbc
The new policy will also benefit 50,000 young people under 21 whose parents are married to American citizens.
This initiative marks the most significant relief program for undocumented migrants since the Obama administration’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) in 2012.
Eligible spouses will be allowed to remain in the U.S. while applying for permanent residency and will receive a three-year work permit.
Related Articles:
- Fatalities in Albuquerque Arroyo System Amid Heavy Rainfall Tragedy
- Trump’s Milwaukee Comments Spark Controversy
- Pelosi Criticizes GOP for Praising Trump During DC Visit
While the policy has been praised by immigration advocates, it has faced criticism from groups like NumbersUSA, which argue that it overreaches executive authority.
Despite this, immigration experts believe it is a crucial step towards addressing long-standing issues faced by undocumented immigrants.
In addition to this policy, the Biden administration plans to expedite the visa process for highly skilled undocumented immigrants with U.S. degrees or job offers in their field.
This comes after a recent executive action aimed at curbing illegal border crossings, which faced legal challenges from the ACLU.
Overall, Biden’s recent announcements reflect a dual approach to immigration reform, addressing both new arrivals and long-term undocumented residents.