The recent announcement of a new Biden administration policy promises to provide a pathway to citizenship for about half a million immigrants in the United States who are married to American citizens but lack legal status. This move is a significant shift in immigration policy and has been welcomed by immigrant advocates who have long been advocating for such reforms.
Prior to this policy change, the process for spouses without legal status to apply for permanent residence, also known as a green card, was quite complicated if they had been living in the U.S. illegally for an extended period. They often had to leave the country and apply from their home country, which could result in years of separation and uncertainty.
Under the new policy, eligible spouses without legal status can apply for permanent residence without leaving the U.S. and eventually seek a path to citizenship. However, there are certain criteria that must be met, such as having lived in the U.S. for at least 10 years, not posing a security threat, and being married by a specific date. The Department of Homeland Security will consider applications on a case-by-case basis.
This policy change is part of Biden’s broader strategy on immigration, which includes a focus on border security and different pathways for legal status for undocumented immigrants. Additionally, changes have been announced to help DACA recipients qualify more easily for long-established work visas, providing more stability and opportunities for these individuals.
While the new policy is set to go into effect by the end of summer, there may be challenges ahead as Republicans and immigration opponents have criticized the proposal. It is likely that opponents will take legal action to try to stop the implementation of this policy. Ultimately, the success of these changes will depend on the guidance provided by the Department of Homeland Security and the efficiency of processing applications.
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