Article Summary –
President Biden’s new immigration policy protects approximately 500,000 undocumented immigrants married to U.S. citizens from deportation, providing them with a pathway to citizenship. The policy targets individuals who’ve been living in the U.S. for more than a decade and whose spouses have been American citizens as of June 17, with no criminal records. Along with recent border crackdowns, the move represents a balance between tougher immigration policies favoured by Americans according to polls, and calls from the progressive Democratic base for a more humane approach to immigration.
President Biden’s Immigration Policy Protects Spouses of U.S. Citizens
President Biden’s latest immigration policy provides protection and a citizenship route for around 500,000 individuals married to U.S. citizens. This new policy is a notable move in the election year, just two weeks after major restrictions were enforced at the U.S.-Mexico border, limiting asylum access for illegal entrants.
The policy, announced on Tuesday, targets individuals residing in the United States for over a decade who have established their lives and families in the country.
Why Does This Protection Matter to Spouses of American Citizens?
Marrying an American citizen often results in U.S. citizenship. However, for those who entered the U.S. illegally through the southern border, rather than with a visa, they must return to their origin countries to complete the green card process, often taking years. This new program allows these families to stay in the U.S. while they seek legal status.
Who Qualifies for this Program?
About 1.1 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S. are married to American citizens. However, not all are eligible for this policy. To qualify, spouses must have been in the U.S. for 10 years and married to a U.S. citizen as of June 17. They must also have a clean criminal record. The new policy is estimated to provide about 500,000 people with legal status and protections, extending benefits to approximately 50,000 children of undocumented spouses who became stepchildren of U.S. citizens.
Program Activation Date
The Biden administration anticipates the policy to commence by summer’s end, after which eligible individuals can apply for benefits.
Why is the President Enacting this Policy Now?
Biden is orchestrating a delicate balance on the sensitive issue of immigration, which is currently a significant political vulnerability. Amidst demands for stricter policies, President Biden announced an asylum crackdown on the southern border just two weeks ago. This new policy, providing new legal protections for numerous immigrants, aligns with progressive Democratic Party calls for a more compassionate approach to immigration, countering accusations of broken campaign promises.
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