Biden Considers Providing Immigration Assistance to Spouses of US Citizens
The White House is considering options to grant temporary legal status and work permits to immigrants in the U.S. illegally who are married to American citizens, as reported by three sources familiar with the matter on Monday. This move could potentially rally support among some Democrats leading up to the November elections.
Pressure from Democrat lawmakers and advocacy groups has pushed President Joe Biden to act in safeguarding immigrants in the country unlawfully, while also contemplating executive actions to curb illegal border crossings.
Immigration has become a prominent issue among voters, particularly Republicans, in anticipation of the November 5th election where Biden will face off against his Republican predecessor, Donald Trump. Trump has critiqued Biden’s more lenient policies for allegedly contributing to the increase in illegal immigration.
In recent months, the White House has pondered the option of executive actions to prevent migrants from crossing the U.S.-Mexico border if illegal crossings surpass a certain threshold, garnering disapproval from some Democrats and advocates.
Sources reveal that the Biden administration has explored the potential use of “parole in place” for spouses of U.S. citizens, which could grant them temporary status providing access to work permits and a potential pathway to citizenship. However, no concrete actions have been decided upon at this time.
The Wall Street Journal first reported on these potential moves, and the White House has not yet provided a comment in response.
According to data from advocacy organization FWD.us, approximately 1.1 million immigrants residing in the U.S. illegally are married to U.S. citizens.
Last year, a group of 86 Democrats penned a letter to Biden and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas urging them to safeguard spouses of U.S. citizens and establish a process for family reunification for those outside the country.
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