President Biden’s administration is considering a bold move that could potentially grant temporary legal status and a pathway to American citizenship for hundreds of thousands of immigrants currently living in the United States without legal authorization. According to sources familiar with the internal discussions, the plan being weighed by the White House would offer work permits and protection from deportation to certain undocumented immigrants through the use of immigration parole authority. This policy, known as “parole in place,” could also make these individuals eligible for permanent residency in the U.S. and eventually citizenship by assisting them in navigating the complexities of U.S. immigration law.
The individuals who spoke about the proposal did so anonymously, citing the sensitivity of the discussions. They include current and former U.S. officials as well as a congressional official. It is important to note that the final details of the Biden administration’s plan have not yet been approved or finalized.
The sources indicated that the plan would likely benefit undocumented immigrants who have been living in the U.S. for an extended period of time, possibly for many years. This suggests that the focus would be on individuals who have established deep roots in the country rather than recent arrivals. In a statement to CBS News, White House spokesperson Angelo Hernandez Fernandez acknowledged that officials are exploring various policy options and are committed to addressing the challenges within the immigration system.
The proposal under consideration by the administration was initially reported by The Wall Street Journal in April. If implemented, it would represent a significant step by President Biden to take unilateral action on immigration, given the ongoing stalemate in Congress on this issue. Recently, the president used his executive authority to impose strict measures at the U.S.-Mexico border, limiting access to asylum for most migrants.
The parole in place plan has the potential to impact a substantial portion of the undocumented population in the United States. Estimates suggest that there are approximately 11 million unauthorized immigrants residing in the country, with a significant number of them having American citizen spouses. Advocacy group Fwd.US has reported that around 1.1 million undocumented immigrants fall into this category.
In addition to the practical implications of the proposal, there are also political considerations at play. Progressive lawmakers and advocates argue that the plan could energize certain segments of the electorate, including Latino voters, in advance of the upcoming elections in November. Polling data has consistently shown that Latino voters are generally supportive of measures to enhance border security and legalize long-standing undocumented residents.
However, it is important to note that if the plan is approved, it is likely to face legal challenges. The Biden administration has already encountered lawsuits from Republican state officials regarding its use of parole authority in immigration matters. In a similar vein, the Supreme Court deadlock in 2016 prevented the Obama administration from implementing a similar policy that would have protected undocumented parents of U.S. citizens and green card holders.
The Biden administration has been actively utilizing parole authority in its efforts to address various immigration issues. This latest proposal, if enacted, could have far-reaching implications for the immigrant community in the United States, offering a potential lifeline to those who have long been living in the shadows. The ultimate goal of providing a pathway to legal status and citizenship reflects a broader commitment to comprehensive immigration reform and the recognition of the contributions made by immigrants to the fabric of American society.
As the discussions around this proposal continue, it will be crucial to monitor the response from various stakeholders, including legal experts, advocacy groups, and lawmakers. The outcome of this deliberation could have a profound impact on the lives of hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants and their families, shaping the future trajectory of immigration policy in the United States.
