President Joe Biden announced a sweeping plan on Tuesday that could offer potential citizenship to hundreds of thousands of immigrants without legal status in the U.S. This move aims to balance his recent border enforcement measures that drew criticism from advocates and Democratic lawmakers.
Biden revealed that his administration would allow certain U.S. citizens’ spouses without legal status to apply for permanent residency and eventually citizenship without leaving the country. This action could impact up to half a million immigrants, according to senior administration officials.
Speaking from the East Room at the White House, Biden stated, “The Statue of Liberty is not some relic of American history. It still stands for who we are. But I also refuse to believe that for us to continue to be America that embraces immigration, we have to give up securing our border. They’re false choices.”
Biden’s initiative, the most expansive federal protection for immigrants in over a decade, creates a significant political contrast with presumptive GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump. Trump’s hardline immigration stance includes advocating for mass deportations and labeling migrants as dangerous criminals.
On Tuesday, Biden criticized Trump’s immigration policies, including family separations at the border. However, Trump, at a rally in Racine, Wisconsin, vowed to abolish Biden’s plan if reelected.
With the possibility of a second Trump administration, Latino organizations are expected to rush to get as many people as possible to apply for the program before next January.
To qualify, an immigrant must have lived in the U.S. for 10 years and be married to a U.S. citizen. If approved, they have three years to apply for a green card, receive a temporary work permit, and be protected from deportation.
Additionally, around 50,000 noncitizen children with parents married to U.S. citizens could also qualify. There is no requirement for the couple’s marriage duration, but no one becomes eligible after Monday.
Senior administration officials anticipate the application process to open by the end of the summer. The application fees are yet to be determined.
Biden’s announcement was welcomed by families with mixed immigration status, such as Antonio and Brenda Valle in Los Angeles, who have lived with the constant fear of Brenda’s deportation.
Foday Turay, a DACA recipient invited to the White House for the announcement, expressed relief at the prospect of a more secure future for his family.
Republicans, however, criticized Biden’s plan. Rep. Richard Hudson labeled it a “mass amnesty plan,” while Texas Gov. Greg Abbott predicted its downfall in the courts.
Biden’s allies believe his approach to immigration will resonate with voters. Sen. Chris Murphy stated, “The only party that is being serious about border security is the Democrats.
Gustavo Torres, executive director of CASA, believes Biden’s announcement will energize Latino communities to support him.
Biden also announced new regulations to help certain DACA beneficiaries and other young immigrants qualify for established work visas more easily.
The power Biden is exercising with this announcement is not unprecedented. Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama used similar authority to allow “parole in place” for family members of military personnel.
Progressives who criticized Biden’s recent asylum order praised his latest actions. Rep. Pramila Jayapal commended Biden, saying the actions would help keep American families together.
