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Jimmy Williams
President Joe Biden is set to unveil a significant new immigration policy on Tuesday that will protect tens of thousands of people married to U.S. citizens from deportation. This move, seen as a strategic election-year action, has been a long-standing demand by many Democrats.
At a White House event celebrating the Obama-era “dreamers” directive, Biden will introduce a program allowing around 490,000 spouses of U.S. citizens to apply for a “parole in place” program. This initiative will shield them from deportations and provide work permits, provided they have lived in the country for at least 10 years.
“This is a defining moment in history, and we need to meet this moment,” said Ashley DeAzevedo, president of American Families United.
The new policy comes as the Biden administration seeks to balance stricter border controls with compassionate immigration reforms. Families expected to benefit from this action will attend the White House event, highlighting the policy’s personal impact.
The program extends an authority previously used for immigrants connected to the U.S. military. Biden emphasized the need for a fairer immigration system, stating, “In the weeks ahead, I will speak to how we can make our immigration system more fair and more just.”
Additionally, Biden plans to make Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients eligible for visas, moving beyond their current temporary work authorization. This policy aims to address barriers that prevent many spouses from gaining legal status despite deep ties to the U.S.
Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., lauded the move as “justice long overdue for the people who have been waiting but are key to so many thriving families and communities.”
The announcement arrives amid political pressure on Biden to manage U.S.-Mexico border issues effectively. His recent stricter asylum measures drew criticism from immigration advocates and progressive lawmakers.
The Congressional Hispanic Caucus has urged Biden to protect spouses of U.S. citizens from deportation and consider work visas for undocumented college graduates. Rep. Nanette Barragán, D-Calif., expects “tears of joy paired with some sighs of relief” from impacted families.
Republicans, however, criticize the policy. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, warned it could act as a “huge magnet” for more immigrants.
This announcement coincides with the 12th anniversary of the DACA program, originally created by President Barack Obama to protect young undocumented immigrants known as “dreamers.”
