Biden to Ease Residency Process for Undocumented Spouses of US Citizens
President Joe Biden is set to announce new rules on Tuesday that will simplify the process for undocumented spouses of US citizens to obtain permanent residency, according to the White House.
This move comes as Biden balances a delicate stance on immigration, an important issue as the November presidential election approaches. The administration aims to be firm on illegal immigration while contrasting with the stricter policies of Republican rival Donald Trump.
The new rules won’t broaden eligibility for permanent residency but will streamline the process for those who already qualify. A significant change includes removing the requirement for applicants to leave the country during the application process.
The new regulations will apply to those who have been in the US for at least 10 years and married to a US citizen before June 17, 2024. This change is expected to affect around 500,000 people, along with approximately 50,000 stepchildren of US citizens.
Approved applicants will receive work authorization and the right to stay in the US for up to three years while their permanent residency applications are processed. With permanent residency, individuals can eventually apply for citizenship.
A senior administration official emphasized the goal to reduce bureaucracy and minimize the hardship of leaving the country during the application process. However, another official noted that only Congress can enact comprehensive immigration reform.
Previously, Biden’s bipartisan immigration reform proposal in Congress, which would have introduced stricter policies, failed when Republicans withdrew support. Recently, Biden signed an executive order limiting asylum seekers at the border, which faced criticism and legal challenges.
The administration defends its asylum policy and previous reform efforts as both tough and fair. In contrast, Trump has made inflammatory comments about immigrants and pledged mass deportations.
Additionally, the Biden administration plans to simplify the process for “Dreamers” – those who came to the US illegally as children – to obtain work visas if they have graduated from college and secured high-skilled job offers.
