On Tuesday, US President Joe Biden is scheduled to make a complete new policy announcement that will safeguard hundreds of thousands of engaged to US citizens from repatriation. This move, very anticipated by some Democrats, emerges as a major election- season decision on immigration.
The US President intends to introduce this program at a White House event while also honoring the “dreamers” policy, which was introduced during the Obama administration. This rule has previously provided deportation protections to younger illegal immigrants.
The new legislation, according to resources with knowledge of the situation, will give nearly 490, 000 spouses of US citizens the opportunity to apply for a “parole in place” system. This system would not only protect them from repatriation but also give them work permits if they have been residing in the country for at least ten years. Because they were not permitted to examine the statement in public, these resources requested anonymity.
When reached on Monday, the White House made the decision to not comment on the statement.
This statement represents a pivotal time for Biden’s management. Biden pledged to support greater help for the millions of people who have been denied legal standing in the US when he first took office. Current policy changes have reflected a stricter position as immigrant numbers hit record peaks and as Biden prepares for a possible re-election campaign against Donald Trump. A border onslaught was introduced earlier this month by Biden’s administration, which some critics believe echoes those of Trump’s time.
The new restrictive measures at the US- Mexico border, properly halting hospital running, have drawn condemnation from Biden’s democratic allies.
Official Nanette Barragan, D- Calif., who heads the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, expressed her support for future announcements, predicting they may bring “tears of joy paired with some sighs of relief” for some families.
Some families who are affected by Biden’s new policy are scheduled to show up at the White House event on Tuesday afternoon.
Administration officials have been looking at various ways to protect immigrants who do n’t have legal status but who have strong ties to the US. The authority Biden is leveraging will help remove legal barriers, allowing eligible immigrants to apply for permanent residency and, eventually, US citizenship. Without legal status, this authority has previously been used against other groups, including US military personnel and their families.
At a White House event on June 4th, Biden addressed his order to suspend asylum processing for many migrants,” Today, I have spoken about what we need to do… I’ll discuss how we can make our immigration system more just and fair in the weeks that come, and I mean the weeks that come.
Beyond the temporary work authorizations that are currently granted to them, Biden is also anticipated to increase eligibility for visas for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals ( DACA ) recipients.
Immigration advocates applauded the expected policy for spouses of US citizens, noting the difficulties these individuals face in obtaining legal status despite having close ties to the nation.
” This is a defining moment in history, and we need to meet this moment”, said Ashley DeAzevedo, president of American Families United, an advocacy group for US citizens married to foreign nationals.
Despite the positive reception from advocates, Biden’s use of this authority could face legal challenges, similar to the challenges faced by the DACA program. The White House intends to observe the 12th anniversary of the DACA program, which was started by then-President Barack Obama to safeguard young immigrants who are frequently referred to as “dreamers.”
The Congressional Hispanic Caucus has pressed Biden to pass legislation to protect US citizens ‘ spouses from deportation and grant work visas to students who have been brought here without permission as children.
Several House Democrats intend to travel back to Washington to make the announcement, which is anticipated to receive a lot of applause from their constituents.
Senator Alex Padilla, D- Calif., described Biden’s action as” justice” that “was long overdue for the people who have been waiting but are key to so many thriving families and communities”.
According to some, the policy may be politically advantageous for Biden.
” We anticipate that Latino and immigrant voters will express their gratitude at the November ballot box,” said CASA in Action president Gustavo Torres.
Donald Trump, on the other hand, has pledged to deport millions of migrants if he is re- elected. His campaign’s rhetoric continues to be strongly anti- immigration.
While Biden’s policy targets longtime US residents, it has drawn criticism from Republicans. Sen. John Cornyn, R- Texas, characterized it as a “huge magnet” for potential immigrants, suggesting it would “attract even more people” to the border.
( With inputs from agencies )
