In a significant move, the Biden administration on Tuesday unveiled a plan to provide permanent residency opportunities for immigrant spouses of U.S. citizens who have lived in the country for at least ten years.
The initiative aims to stabilize the lives of over 500,000 individuals by offering them a clear pathway to permanent residency and, eventually, citizenship.
Key Details of the New Plan
The proposed measures allow immigrants who have lived in the United States for at least ten years by June 17, 2024, and are married to a U.S. citizen to apply for permanent residency. This pathway could eventually lead more than 500,000 individuals to citizenship.
Eligibility Criteria
- Duration of Stay: Immigrants must have been living in the U.S. for a minimum of ten years as of the given date.
- Marital Status: Must be married to a U.S. citizen.
- Children: Approximately 50,000 noncitizen children with a parent married to a U.S. citizen could also qualify under this initiative.
Importantly, the duration of the marriage is not a factor, and immigrants who reach the ten-year residency requirement after June 17, 2024, will not be eligible for this program.
Benefits for Qualifying Immigrants
Qualifying individuals will receive several significant benefits:
1. Green Card Application
Once approved, eligible immigrants will have a three-year window to submit their applications for a green card. This application is the first step toward becoming a permanent resident, eventually leading to citizenship.
2. Temporary Work Permits
Approved applicants will receive temporary work permits, allowing them to legally work in the U.S. while their green card applications are processed, providing financial stability and access to employment opportunities.
3. Protection from Deportation
During the green card application process, immigrants will be protected from deportation. This safeguard ensures they can remain in the U.S. legally while awaiting the outcome of their residency applications.
It is worth noting here that the administration expects the application process to be operational by the end of summer. The fees associated with the application are yet to be finalized.
A Step Towards Inclusive Immigration Policies
This announcement comes as President Biden prepares to address the nation at the White House, coinciding with the 12th anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. The DACA program, initiated during the Obama administration, provides deportation protection and temporary work permits to young immigrants without legal status.
Biden’s Legislative Push
In light of this new plan, White House officials have urged House Democrats to return to Washington for the announcement, despite the current recess. This move signals the administration’s commitment to advancing comprehensive immigration reform.
As President Biden outlines these new measures, they represent a crucial step in his administration’s ongoing efforts to create a more humane and effective immigration system.
The new policy will provide relief and stability to countless immigrant families and address long-standing immigration challenges in the United States.
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