US (Washington Insider Magazine) -President Joe Biden has introduced one of the most significant immigration regularization initiatives in recent history, offering a pathway to citizenship for hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants. The new measures, announced on Tuesday, will allow certain undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens to apply for permanent residency and ultimately citizenship without leaving the country.
This initiative will impact over 500,000 spouses of U.S. citizens, along with approximately 50,000 noncitizen children under 21 whose parents are married to U.S. citizens. In his White House address, Biden described the executive action as a “common-sense fix” to the “cumbersome” existing system.
Currently, undocumented spouses must return to their home countries, such as Mexico, to complete paperwork for long-term legal status, which can leave families in uncertainty. “They have to leave their families in America with no assurance that they will be allowed back in the United States,” Biden explained, adding that many live in fear of deportation without the ability to work legally.
Biden emphasized that the new measures aim to address these issues without making any fundamental changes to immigration law. This announcement comes at a time when immigration is a central and divisive issue in the run-up to the presidential elections in November.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre highlighted the stability the changes would bring to American families, noting that it would allow more young people to contribute to the economy.
Immigrant rights advocates welcomed the pathway to permanent residency, although they urged the administration to do more. The White House noted that those eligible for the program have, on average, lived in the U.S. for 23 years. Kica Matos, president of the National Immigration Law Center, stated that this action helps keep families together and reinforces the message that immigrants are integral members of the community.
To qualify for the spousal program, applicants must have lived in the U.S. for 10 years and be married to a U.S. citizen. Once approved, they will have three years to apply for a green card and can receive a temporary work permit while protected from deportation. Upon receiving a green card, they can eventually apply for U.S. citizenship.
Senior administration officials expect the application process to open by the end of summer, although the fees for application have yet to be announced. Biden stated, “These couples have been raising families, paying taxes, and contributing to our country. This action is a better way. It doesn’t tear families apart.”
However, the 10-year residency requirement has drawn criticism. Jean-Pierre confirmed that such requirements are in place due to the need for congressional cooperation for broader immigration reform.
The announcement coincides with the anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, launched in 2012, which provides deportation relief to 528,000 undocumented individuals brought to the U.S. as children. The Biden administration also unveiled guidance to facilitate skilled work visas for DACA recipients, aiming to retain educated individuals in the U.S.
With immigration expected to be a key issue in the November elections, Biden’s announcement is seen as an attempt to bolster his approval ratings and rally support, particularly among Latino communities. Gustavo Torres, executive director of CASA, suggested that this initiative could energize these communities to support Biden’s re-election efforts.
Republicans quickly condemned the announcement, with Congressman Jim Jordan accusing Biden of planning amnesty for undocumented individuals. Trump’s 2024 campaign claimed the president is inviting more illegal immigration.
Critics, especially within the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, voiced concerns that Biden’s immigration policies might mirror Trump’s hardline stance. Earlier this month, Biden faced backlash for signing an executive order tightening asylum rights at the U.S.-Mexico border, which advocates say could exacerbate dangerous situations for migrants.
In response to these concerns, Biden framed the asylum measures as necessary actions due to congressional inaction, stating, “Two weeks ago, I did what Republicans in Congress refused to do: I took action to secure our border.” He also drew a clear distinction between his approach and Trump’s, emphasizing the nation’s identity as one of immigrants.
