President Joe Biden is set to announce two executive actions on Tuesday, aiming to provide immigration relief for thousands of undocumented immigrants in the United States. The first action will help undocumented spouses and children of US citizens get lawful permanent residence easily, without leaving the country. This could benefit around 500,000 spouses, letting them work and live legally in the US. Approximately 50,000 children will also get this protection.
This move shows the Biden administration’s strong commitment to fix immigration issues and support family unity.
Key Takeaways
- President Biden plans to announce executive actions providing immigration relief for undocumented immigrants.
- The new policy will streamline the process for undocumented spouses and children of US citizens to obtain lawful permanent residence.
- Up to half a million spouses and approximately 50,000 children could benefit from this relief.
- Noncitizen spouses must have been in the US for at least 10 years and legally married to a US citizen by June 17, 2024.
- The relief program allows eligible spouses three years to apply for legal permanent residence.
- Senior officials mentioned that DACA recipients and Dreamers might qualify for quicker employment-based nonimmigrant visas.
- Restrictions on migrants seeking asylum between ports of entry may apply when border encounters exceed a daily rate of 2,500 for a week.
For more information, visit ABC News.
Overview of Biden’s Upcoming Executive Actions on Immigration
The Biden team is getting ready to change things for the better for the spouses of US citizens without papers. With a soon-to-come executive order, they are making a key move. This will help towards a full immigration reform.
Streamlined Process for Lawful Permanent Residence
This new step will let spouses without papers get their green card here in the US. They won’t have to go back to their home country first. This means families can stay together without long separations.
Current Barriers for Undocumented Spouses
Now, the rules often force these spouses to leave the US for up to ten years. This happens because they must apply from outside the US. But, soon, a new system will make things easier. Biden’s team wants to tear down these walls, making it easier for families to get and stay together.
The new executive order is a big deal. It marks serious progress in fixing the immigration system. With these changes, some spouses of US citizens can look forward to a more stable future in the US. It shows Biden’s firm commitment to make things right in the US immigration system.
Qualifications for Relief under the New Policy
President Biden’s new policy helps undocumented immigrants. Specifically, it focuses on those married to U.S. citizens. The goal is to make things easier and offer a path to legal residency and maybe citizenship. Here’s what’s needed to qualify for this help:
Residency Requirement
For this relief, immigrants must have lived in the U.S. for 10 years by June 17, 2024. It’s crucial that they weren’t legally allowed into the U.S. before this date. Living here for so long shows their strong ties to the country.
Marriage Validity
Being married to a U.S. citizen is key, but when you got married doesn’t matter. The marriage must be legal to count towards the relief. This makes sure the policy supports real relationships under the new immigration policy.
Public Safety and National Security Considerations
There will be checks to make sure applicants are not a risk to safety or security. This step is to protect everyone in the country. If they pass, they’ll have three years to help for permanent residency.
President Biden’s strategy continues the work of past leaders. It’s focused on helping families with different immigration statuses. It also aims to keep America safe.
How This Policy Alters Current Immigration Laws
The Joe Biden administration is changing the game with a new approach to immigration. A major part of this change is letting undocumented spouses stay in the U.S. while they apply for legal status. This move is a big deal for families who have been separated for a long time without a clear path back.
This executive order could help about 1.1 million undocumented spouses find a way to become permanent residents. The order has gotten a lot of support, especially from Latino lawmakers and groups who fight for immigrants’ rights. They’re pushing for things like work permits and protection from being deported for those married to U.S. citizens.
The DACA program was a big success, protecting over 800,000 kids from being sent back to countries they barely knew.
Biden’s approach is very different from what we’ve seen before. Previous governments were all about tight border control and making it harder to immigrate. This new way could help Biden with Latino voters and others who support a kinder immigration system.
But it’s not all smooth sailing. There are mixed messages, like being softer to some immigrants but harder at the U.S.-Mexico border. Only a few months before his election, Biden started this enforcement. And not everything is going well. Groups that support immigrants, along with the ACLU, are not happy. They’ve filed a lawsuit about a rule that prevents some asylum-seekers from coming in unless it’s through an official entry point.
Another big step could be giving protections and work permits to caregivers and farm workers who are in the U.S. without the right paperwork. This idea would offer more help to many people who live here but aren’t legal residents yet.
| Policy Impact | Estimated Numbers |
|---|---|
| Undocumented Spouses Affected | 1.1 million |
| Children Protected by DACA | 800,000+ |
Biden to Announce Relief for Some Undocumented Spouses of US Citizens
The Joe Biden administration will soon take a big step. It will offer quick help to many undocumented spouses of US citizens. This relief announcement is part of a wider plan. It mixes stricter border security with friendlier approaches to help these families feel part of America.
Up to 500,000 spouses might benefit, along with about 50,000 children. They could get a way to stay here legally. But, there are some rules. They must have lived in the U.S. for 10 years by June 17, 2024.
Also, if they want to come to work, they need a degree from a U.S. college. And, they should have a job that needs their special skills.
The move by the Joe Biden administration has gotten different responses. The Hispanic Caucus is happy about it. But, the ACLU thinks it might make seeking asylum harder, which is not good. This is if more than 2,500 people per day try to enter the country and this happens for a week.
This Joe Biden administration‘s action shows it wants to give chances to those who have lived here for a long time. At the same time, it aims to make America safer and more welcoming. Achieving these goals would help create a country that is both secure and caring for all.
Impact on Undocumented Children
President Biden’s upcoming executive actions will bring big changes, especially for undocumented children. These actions aim to help thousands of kids, bringing stability and protection to their families. This will have a positive effect nationwide.
Eligibility for Protection
The new policy grants protection to undocumented children if their parents are moving towards legal residency. This keeps families together and provides security to those living in the U.S. It’s a much-needed support for children and their families.
Estimates of Affected Children
Around 50,000 undocumented children whose parents are U.S. citizens will benefit from new protection measures. Notably, 1.1 million individuals have built a life here over years. For example, in Illinois, about 45,000 undocumented people are married to citizens.
By providing protection to these children, the Biden administration takes a wide view on immigration reform. It addresses the needs of families immediately and in the future. This lets children stay with their families and dream without fear.
The importance of these measures is also seen in the impact of undocumented individuals. Around 78,000 DACA holders have a bachelor’s degree and are employed. By protecting these people’s children, the administration supports families and the country’s future growth.
With the announcement on some undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens getting relief, the focus is on better protection and secure lives for undocumented children. This is a big step towards immigration policies that are more inclusive and show American values.
A quick look at the impact:
| Category | Estimated Impact |
|---|---|
| Undocumented Spouses Nationwide | 500,000 |
| Undocumented Children Protected | 50,000 |
| Undocumented Spouses in Illinois | 45,000 |
| Average Residency of Undocumented Spouses | 16 years |
| DACA Holders with Bachelor’s Degree | 78,000 |
Statements from Key Figures
President Biden’s move to help undocumented spouses has received a warm welcome from immigration reform advocates. They see great promise in the new policy and highlight its significance.
Kerri Talbot of The Immigration Hub
Kerri Talbot leads The Immigration Hub and is pleased with President Biden’s decision. She calls it “incredibly important” because it starts a path to citizenship. Talbot points out that this change will help nearly 500,000 spouses of U.S. citizens. These people have been living here for over ten years but without legal papers. The help will also cover about 50,000 children from these families, ensuring their safety too.
Rep. Nanette Diaz Barragán
Rep. Nanette Diaz Barragán, the head of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, also praises the policy. She believes it will bring happiness and relief to many immigrant families. She shares that the caucus worked hard to make such changes possible. Their goal is to offer families stability and keep them together.
The support for this new policy is loud, highlighting Biden’s push for kinder immigration rules. Amid the current immigration news, these voices are significant in showing the way forward.
Potential Challenges and Legal Opinions
President Biden’s recent efforts to help some undocumented spouses of US citizens haven’t been all smooth. Many legal experts and groups have pointed out the tricky parts of this move. They say the issue is more complicated than it seems.
Challenges from the American Civil Liberties Union
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) deeply cares about our rights. They’re challenging a separate asylum rule from Biden in court. Now, they’re keeping an eye on the undocumented spouses situation too.
The ACLU’s interest highlights an important balance. How can we protect security while valuing people’s rights? This question is key as Biden works on helping some undocumented spouses of US citizens.
Potential Congressional Responses
Response from Congress could be very mixed about Biden’s immigration moves. Some members might see it as a good step in making immigration more humane. Others might worry about the rules and issues it might imply.
How Congress reacts will hugely impact how these changes are carried out long-term. It shows how divisive immigration policy updates can be. Plus, it can change how the public and law see these laws in the future. Congress’s voice is very powerful in this.
Comparisons to Previous Immigration Policies
President Biden is changing the way America deals with immigration. Before, leaders mainly focused on tough border rules and sending many people back. Now, Biden’s approach is to be more caring and fair. An upcoming action plans to help half a million families get legal status.
The new plan is making it easier for couples separated by immigration laws to stay together. If one person was undocumented, they used to have to leave the US to apply for a green card. This could lead to a ten-year wait. But now, they can start the process here, which is kinder and less disruptive.
Biden is also working to help those who came to the US as kids through DACA. This action helps them find better jobs. It’s part of his bigger plan to treat immigrants better than before. This could help up to 550,000 people do well in higher-wage jobs.
The new policy even looks out for about 50,000 noncitizen kids. It shows a caring way of dealing with immigration matters. Biden’s way is very different from how Trump handled things. They strongly disagree on how to treat families that are mixed between US citizens and noncitizens.
| Comparison Aspect | Previous Policies | Biden’s New Policies |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Status and Protections | Strict criteria; limited protections | Expected to benefit 500,000 American families |
| Application Process | Apply from outside the US | Apply from inside the US |
| Impact on Families | Separation and decade-long bans | Increased family unity and stability |
| Impact on Children | Limited protections | Estimated 50,000 children benefit |
| Economic Opportunities | Restricted job prospects | Up to 550,000 can seek higher-wage jobs |
Role of the Department of Homeland Security
The Department of Homeland Security plays a key role. It manages the relief program targeted by President Biden. The program will provide U.S. lawful permanent residence to spouses of U.S. citizens who were living undocumented. This move changes their legal status and chances within the country.
Expected Number of Eligible Spouses and Children
Up to 500,000 undocumented spouses might fit the new relief measures. The program could cover about 50,000 of their children. The aim is to keep families together and provide stability.
Administrative Steps Involved
The setup of this program includes several important steps for effective action:
- Residency Applications: Eligible noncitizen spouses must apply for lawful permanent residence. This step hides the need to leave the U.S. for processing, keeping families together.
- Vetting for Public Safety and National Security: Spouses must not threaten public safety or security to be eligible. These checks help keep the program both safe and compassionate.
- Inter-Agency Coordination: Homeland Security works with other agencies. They aim to make applications easier and complete necessary checks and interviews.
- Expedited Processing: Some applicants, like DACA recipients with job offers, may get faster processing under President Biden’s immigration plan.
| Eligibility Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Residency Duration | At least 10 years as of June 17, 2024 |
| Marital Status | Must be legally married to a U.S. citizen by June 17, 2024 |
| Public Safety Clearance | Should not be seen as a threat to public safety or security |
| Application Window | Three years to apply for permanent legal residence |
The administrative process through the Department of Homeland Security is thorough. Biden’s move highlights a caring approach to immigration. It focuses on keeping families whole and providing legal security for those who have been long-time residents.
Conclusion
President Joe Biden is making big changes in U.S. immigration policy. His actions will especially help those who have been living in the U.S. without legal status. Up to half a million undocumented spouses, who have been here for a decade by June 17, 2024, are set to benefit. About 50,000 of their children will also find protection, keeping families together.
These steps highlight Biden’s push for a kinder immigration system. They aim to make it easier for certain undocumented family members to become legal residents. Unlike past rules, families won’t have to face being apart or being sent away.
There’s also good news for those with specialized job offers in the U.S, like [DACA](https://www.uscis.gov/i-821d) recipients and “Dreamers.” To be eligible, they need to have finished school here and gotten a job in their field. This move values the contribution these individuals make to our country’s economy and safety, while upholding family unity.
Wrapping things up, Biden’s steps for some undocumented spouses are a big win for inclusivity and care in immigration. These efforts will make a real difference for many families. They fit well with Biden’s larger plan to make our immigration system fair and welcoming. [Joe Biden administration](https://abc30.com/post/president-joe-biden-announce-relief-undocumented-spouses-us-citizens-dreamers/14969413/) is all about that.
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Last modified: June 18, 2024
