Biden to Introduce Deportation Protection and Work Permits for Undocumented Immigrants Married to US Citizens

President Joe Biden is set to announce a far-reaching new policy on Tuesday that would remove the threat of deportation for tens of thousands of undocumented individuals married to U.S. citizens, a bold move on immigration during an election year and a priority for many Democrats.

Biden will unveil the program at a White House event celebrating the Obama-era “dreamers” directive that provided deportation safeguards for young immigrants without legal status, according to sources briefed on the plans.

The policy will offer approximately 490,000 spouses of U.S. citizens the chance to apply for a “parole in place” program, shielding them from deportation and granting work permits if they have been living in the country for at least a decade, as reported by two of the sources. All spoke anonymously due to lack of authorization to disclose the information publicly.

The White House declined to comment on the announcement ahead of Tuesday.

Families expected to benefit from Biden’s actions are anticipated to attend the White House ceremony later in the day.

Administration officials have been exploring various avenues to provide protections for undocumented individuals with longstanding ties to the U.S, especially after the administration’s strict border policies. Biden is utilizing an authority that not only shields individuals from deportation and grants work permits but also removes a legal hurdle allowing eligible immigrants to apply for permanent residency and ultimately U.S. citizenship.

Several House lawmakers were expected to return to Washington for the announcement, which was likely to garner favorable reception among Democrats.

Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., hailed Biden’s action as “long overdue justice” for individuals essential to thriving families and communities.

Advocates believe the policy not only benefits the affected families but also serves as a politically strategic move for Biden.

The White House marked the 12th anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program on Tuesday, a program initiated by former President Barack Obama to protect young immigrants without legal status, known as “dreamers.”