President Biden announced a large-scale immigration program that will provide legal status and a streamlined path to U.S. residency and citizenship for approximately 500,000 unauthorized immigrants who are married to American citizens. This initiative, known as “Parole in Place,” will enable eligible immigrants to apply for work permits and deportation protections if they have resided in the U.S. for at least 10 years and meet other specified requirements. However, the program does not extend to future migrants and requires undocumented spouses to complete necessary paperwork and pass a criminal background check.
During a speech at the White House, President Biden emphasized the need for a practical solution to facilitate the legalization process for immigrants married to American citizens who have established long-term roots in the country. He described the program as a means for individuals and families who have lived in the U.S. for a decade or more, despite their undocumented status, to seek legal recognition and protection within the United States. The president indicated that the actions announced would take effect later in the summer, allowing eligible spouses to initiate the application process for legal status.
Administration officials estimate that approximately 500,000 unauthorized immigrants with U.S. citizen spouses will qualify for the Parole in Place program. To be eligible, applicants must have been legally married to their American citizen spouse by a specified date. Individuals considered a threat to national security or public safety will not meet the program’s requirements. The Department of Homeland Security reported that the spouses who stand to benefit from this initiative have, on average, resided in the U.S. for 23 years.
President Biden’s announcement coincided with the 12th anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which offered deportation protections to minors brought to the U.S. as children. The president’s new program is anticipated to create a path to permanent residency, commonly known as a green card, and eventually, U.S. citizenship for many of its beneficiaries. If upheld in court, this policy would represent the most extensive government program aimed at safeguarding undocumented migrants since the establishment of DACA.
Under current federal law, immigrants who marry U.S. citizens are typically eligible for a green card. However, individuals who entered the U.S. unlawfully are required to depart the country and re-enter legally to qualify for a green card, a process that can trigger a 10-year ban in certain circumstances. The Biden administration’s policy seeks to eliminate the need for eligible immigrants to leave the U.S. to obtain a green card, thereby enabling them to pursue legal status without the risk of triggering a ban. After residing in the U.S. as green card holders for five years, immigrants can apply for American citizenship.
President Biden criticized his predecessor and 2024 opponent for attempting to exploit fears related to border security while advocating for a comprehensive approach that balances border enforcement with providing legal pathways to citizenship. He emphasized that the U.S. can uphold its values as a nation that embraces immigration while ensuring border security, rejecting the notion that these objectives are mutually exclusive. The president urged Americans to recognize the importance of addressing border concerns without compromising the country’s commitment to welcoming immigrants and fostering inclusion.
In conclusion, President Biden’s immigration program represents a significant step towards providing legal recognition and pathways to citizenship for unauthorized immigrants married to American citizens. By offering a streamlined process for obtaining legal status and protection, the initiative aims to address the challenges faced by mixed-status families and individuals who have long contributed to their communities but lacked legal authorization. The program’s implementation is expected to have far-reaching implications for thousands of immigrants seeking to establish lawful residency in the U.S. and underscores the administration’s commitment to comprehensive immigration reform.
