President Biden has unveiled a significant immigration program that will provide legal status and a simplified pathway to U.S. residency and citizenship to approximately 500,000 undocumented immigrants married to American citizens. The announcement was made on Tuesday, and it aims to offer a solution for those who have been living in the shadows for years. The program will provide them with an opportunity to come out of hiding and live a life free from fear and uncertainty.
As previously reported by CBS News, undocumented immigrants who have lived in the United States for at least 10 years and meet certain requirements can now apply for work permits and deportation protections under the Department of Homeland Security’s “Parole in Place” policy. It is important to note that undocumented spouses must still complete necessary paperwork and pass a criminal background check to be eligible for the program. It is also important to note that this policy does not apply to future migrants. President Obama has stated that the announced actions will take effect “later this summer.”
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During a recent address from the White House, the President unveiled a practical solution to simplify the process of obtaining legal status for immigrants who are married to American citizens and have been residing in the country for an extended period. He stated that this measure will enable undocumented wives, husbands, and their children who have lived in the United States for ten years or more to file the necessary paperwork for legal status.
According to estimates from Administration officials, around 500,000 unauthorized immigrants who have American citizen spouses will be eligible for the Parole in Place program. It is essential to note that applicants must have been legally married to their American citizen spouse before June 17 to qualify for the program. However, it is essential to note that individuals who are considered a threat to national security or public safety will not be eligible for the program.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, the program is expected to benefit spouses who have been residing in the country for an average of 23 years.
During a ceremony commemorating the 12th anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA, the President made an announcement. DACA, which was established by former President Barack Obama, provided protection against deportation for numerous minors who were brought to the U.S. as children, commonly known as “Dreamers.” However, a federal judge in Texas declared the DACA program illegal last year, preventing the submission of new applications.
The new program introduced by Mr. Biden is anticipated to open up a pathway towards a green card, which will eventually lead to obtaining U.S. citizenship for numerous individuals. This policy, if it passes the legal system, will be the biggest government initiative providing protection to undocumented migrants since DACA.
If an immigrant marries a U.S. citizen, they are typically qualified for a green card. However, the current federal law mandates that immigrants who entered the U.S. unlawfully must exit the country and re-enter legally to qualify for a green card. This law can be problematic for mixed-status families since leaving the U.S. after living here without permission for a certain amount of time can activate a 10-year ban. As a result, many mixed-status families opt to avoid this process.
Under the Biden administration’s policy, eligible immigrants can acquire a green card without being required to leave the United States. This means that after residing in the U.S. as a green card holder for five years, immigrants can apply for American citizenship.
In a heated speech, the president criticized his predecessor and political rival for the upcoming 2024 election, asserting that the United States has the ability to both fortify the borders and offer opportunities for citizenship.
In a powerful statement, President Biden emphasized that the Statue of Liberty is not a mere symbol of America’s past, but a representation of who we are as a country. He firmly believes that America can continue to embrace immigration while securing its borders. According to him, this does not have to be a choice between two extremes. He believes that we can both ensure border security and provide legal pathways to citizenship.
The President also acknowledged that the American people’s patience and goodwill are being put to the test by their fears at the border. He understands that many people do not comprehend the situation entirely, and his predecessor is taking advantage of their fears. However, he is confident that America can overcome this challenge and emerge stronger than ever before.
