President Biden’s Executive Actions Offer Relief to Undocumented Spouses of U.S. Citizens
President Joe Biden announces executive actions aimed at protecting certain undocumented immigrant spouses of U.S. citizens, providing relief for families and marking a significant move in immigration policy.
President Biden Announces Executive Actions for Undocumented Spouses of U.S. Citizens
WASHINGTON — On June 18, 2024, President Joe Biden is set to announce executive actions to protect certain undocumented immigrant spouses of U.S. citizens from deportation, marking one of the most significant immigration relief measures since the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. The announcement coincides with the 12th anniversary of DACA.
The new policy will affect approximately 500,000 spouses and around 50,000 undocumented children under 21, whose parent is married to a U.S. citizen. To qualify, immigrants must have lived in the United States continuously for at least 10 years and be married as of June 17, 2024. Eligible participants will be able to apply for permanent residency without leaving the country and will receive temporary work permits for up to three years.
The initiative employs a mechanism known as “parole in place,” previously used to assist family members of U.S. military personnel. This action follows recent measures taken by Biden to restrict asylum access at the southern border.
The program’s application process is expected to open by the end of summer. The move aims to balance Biden’s approach to immigration policy, appealing to both moderates and progressives in an election year. Critics, including some Republican lawmakers, argue that this could serve as a pull factor, encouraging illegal immigration.
Administration officials say this step demonstrates Biden’s commitment to making the immigration system fairer and reuniting families.
