Emmanuel OchayiPresident Joe Biden is set to unveil a new policy aimed at protecting hundreds of thousands of undocumented spouses of US citizens from deportation.
Administration officials revealed that this measure, targeting those who have resided in the country for at least 10 years, will allow them to work legally in the US.
This initiative marks the most substantial relief programme for undocumented migrants in the US since the Obama administration introduced the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) in 2012.
The White House anticipates that over 500,000 spouses of US citizens will benefit, along with 50,000 young people under 21 whose parents are married to American citizens. Earlier this month, Biden pledged to make the US immigration system “more fair and just.”
Polls indicate that immigration remains a key concern for voters as the presidential election in November approaches. The announcement precedes an event on Tuesday celebrating the 12th anniversary of DACA, which protected over 530,000 migrants who arrived in the US as children—known as Dreamers—from deportation.
On Monday, senior administration officials specified that undocumented spouses of US citizens would qualify if they had lived in the country for at least 10 years and were married as of 17 June. Eligible individuals will have three years to apply for permanent residency and will be granted a three-year work permit.
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The White House estimates that, on average, those eligible have lived in the US for 23 years, with a majority being born in Mexico. They will be “paroled in place” and permitted to remain in the US while their status is adjusted.
NumbersUSA, an organisation advocating for stricter immigration controls, condemned the new policy as “unconscionable.” James Massa, the organisation’s chief executive, criticised the policy, accusing Biden of overreaching executive authority and circumventing Congress to offer amnesty to immigrants without papers.
“This policy is an overreach and sets a dangerous precedent,” Massa stated. “We need to enforce our existing laws, not create new ways to bypass them.”
Alex Cuic, an immigration lawyer and professor at Case Western Reserve University, stated that while the action affects a “narrow group,” it represents a “start” for a segment of the immigrant population that historically faces challenges in normalising their status. Cuic noted that allowing beneficiaries to parole in place prevents the need to separate families when one spouse must leave the country to apply for lawful permanent residence.
“This is a critical step towards a fairer system,” Cuic said. “Families should not be torn apart while seeking legal status.”
The application process is expected to open by the end of summer, according to a senior administration official. The White House also plans to streamline and expedite the visa process for highly skilled undocumented immigrants with degrees from US universities or job offers in their field, including Dreamers.
Biden’s announcement follows a recent executive order allowing US officials to rapidly deport migrants entering illegally without processing asylum claims once a daily threshold is reached and the border is “overwhelmed.” The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) sued the Biden administration, arguing that this action violates US immigration law.
In response to critics, Biden urged those who find the measure “too strict” to “be patient,” promising to address how the immigration system can be made “more fair and just” in the coming weeks.
“We are committed to making our immigration system work for everyone,” Biden said. “This is just one step in a long journey towards fairness.”
Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, policy director at the American Immigration Council, remarked that while the two announcements “don’t intersect,” the latest action may help the administration receive positive headlines following criticism over the border policy. Reichlin-Melnick added that the recent steps taken by the president address concerns about both new arrivals and long-term undocumented immigrants navigating the complex immigration system.
“These actions show a balanced approach,” Reichlin-Melnick said. “Addressing both border security and long-term immigrants’ rights is crucial.”
This new policy signals a significant shift in the administration’s approach to immigration, focusing on protecting family unity and providing legal pathways for long-term residents.
Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.
