President Biden Grants New Protections for Undocumented Spouses Married to American Citizens
President Biden announced on Tuesday a new policy that will provide protections for hundreds of thousands of immigrants who are married to American citizens and have been living in the United States illegally for years. This far-reaching measure will shield around 500,000 undocumented spouses from deportation, offer them a pathway to citizenship, and allow them to work legally in the country.
The policy, one of the most expansive actions to protect immigrants since DACA was enacted 12 years ago, aims to help individuals who have been living in the United States for more than a decade, building lives and families here. These undocumented spouses will now be able to remain in the country while pursuing legal status, a significant change from the previous requirement of returning to their home countries to complete the process for a green card.
President Biden emphasized the contributions these couples have made to the country, stating that they have been raising families, paying taxes, and contributing to society while living in fear and uncertainty. The new policy also extends benefits to the roughly 50,000 children of undocumented spouses who became stepchildren to American citizens.
While the new benefits for undocumented spouses will not take effect immediately, senior Biden administration officials expect the program to begin by the end of the summer, allowing eligible individuals to apply for the protections.
The announcement has sparked both praise and criticism, with allies of former President Trump accusing President Biden of being weak on the border. However, the move is seen as a way for President Biden to balance his recent crackdown on asylum with a more pro-immigrant stance, especially as he faces political challenges leading up to the presidential election.
Overall, the new policy represents a significant step towards providing security and stability for undocumented spouses and their families, offering them a chance to build a better future in the United States.
