Article Summary –
President Joe Biden announced an action plan to potentially offer citizenship to hundreds of thousands of immigrants without legal status in the U.S., with the possibility to apply for residency and eventual citizenship without having to leave the country. This policy could affect up to half a million immigrants, and requires an immigrant to have lived in the U.S. for a decade and be married to a U.S. citizen. The announcement comes in contrast to his recent crackdown on the southern border and amidst criticism from GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump, who advocates for a tougher stance on immigration.
President Biden Offers Potential Citizenship Pathway to Immigrants
In a bold election-year action, President Joe Biden announced a plan to pave the way for citizenship for hundreds of thousands of immigrants without legal status in the US. This move is seemingly a balancing act following his recent aggressive border crackdown that sparked outrage among advocates and Democrat lawmakers.
Pathway to Permanent Residency and Citizenship
The administration plans to allow certain U.S. citizens’ spouses without legal status to apply for permanent residency and eventually citizenship without having to first leave the country. This action could affect over half a million immigrants, according to senior administration officials.
“The Statue of Liberty is not some relic of American history. It still stands for who we are,” said Biden. “But I refuse to believe that to embrace immigration, we have to give up securing our border. They’re false choices.”
Political Contrast with GOP’s Trump
Biden’s new measures, the most far-reaching federal protection for immigrants in over a decade, sharply contrast with the presumptive GOP nominee Donald Trump’s harsh stance on immigration. Conversely, Biden emphasized the importance of compassionately addressing the status of those living in the shadows.
Implementing the New Policy
To qualify, an immigrant must have lived in the US for 10 years and be married to a U.S. citizen as of Monday. If approved, the immigrant would have three years to apply for a green card, receive a temporary work permit and be shielded from deportation. The process is expected to begin accepting applications by the end of the summer.
Celebration and Controversy
Biden announced his plans during a White House event marking the 12th anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. This move was celebrated by mixed immigration status families and those working toward a more inclusive immigration policy.
Republicans, however, sharply criticized Biden’s plan. Rep. Richard Hudson, chair of House Republicans’ campaign arm, called it a “mass amnesty plan.” Texas Gov. Greg Abbott anticipated that the directive would be struck down by courts.
New Regulations for DACA Beneficiaries
Biden also announced new regulations to allow certain DACA beneficiaries and other young immigrants to more easily qualify for work visas. This measure will provide more robust protection than the existing work permits offered by DACA, which is currently facing legal challenges and is no longer accepting new applications.
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