Green Card for spouses of undocumented US citizens

President Biden provides legal protection for spouses of undocumented US citizens

In recent times, significant changes have occurred in US immigration policy aimed at curbing the uncontrolled influx of illegal immigrants. President Biden has temporarily allowed the closure of the Mexican border, as we previously reported. Simultaneously, he has announced major changes aimed at easing conditions for long-term undocumented immigrants in the United States. These new steps in immigration policy were officially announced by the president on Tuesday.

President Joe Biden has announced significant new measures to protect hundreds of thousands of immigrants living illegally in the United States but married to American citizens.

Protection from Deportation and Legalization

Around 500,000 spouses without documentation will be protected from deportation and will have the opportunity to begin the process of obtaining US citizenship. They will also be able to work legally in the United States.

According to current federal law, individuals without documents entering the United States and marrying a US citizen must first request humanitarian parole before applying for legal status. This process requires leaving the country. If such individuals have been residing illegally in the US, they will have to stay outside the country for 10 years. This could lead to family separation, as there is no guarantee that they will be allowed to return to the US.

The new policy allows these spouses to apply for a green card without leaving the United States, which is a key change. The Biden administration asserts that this will preserve family integrity. A green card provides legal permanent residency, allowing immigrants to live and work legally in the US.

“These families are raising children, sending them to church and school, paying taxes, contributing to our country,” Mr. Biden said at the White House, accompanied by members of Congress and DACA recipients, known as ‘Dreamers’. “They have been living in the United States all this time with a sense of fear and uncertainty. We can fix that.”

Requirements

To qualify for participation in Biden’s program, according to the White House information bulletin, individuals must have lived in the United States for at least 10 years and be legally married to a US citizen. It is important to note that amnesty applies only to those who were married as of June 17, 2024, and new marriages entered into after this date will not be considered for program participation. Additionally, applicants must have no legal issues.

Effective Date and Participation Process

The new rules will come into effect by the end of the summer. Spouses who meet the criteria will be able to apply for benefits.

Special Focus on Children

The program also covers approximately 50,000 children who have become adopted children of American citizens.

This is one of the most significant federal government programs to support undocumented immigrants since President Barack Obama introduced the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program in 2012.

This achievement is significant for advocates of immigration policy and progressive activists who sharply criticized Biden for his previous steps to tighten asylum policy on the US southern border.