Biden signs executive action to protect undocumented families
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In a significant move aimed at supporting undocumented families, President Biden signed an executive action today that provides deportation protections for undocumented spouses and children of U.S. citizens. This announcement coincides with the 12th anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which protects young undocumented immigrants.
The new executive action allows undocumented spouses who have lived in the U.S. for at least a decade to apply for legal status without leaving the country, a process that previously required them to depart for extended periods, sometimes up to ten years. Under this action, these individuals can also obtain work permits while they navigate the path to permanent residency. Additionally, the initiative eases work visa processes for DACA recipients and dreamers.
Eligibility for these protections includes being legally married to a U.S. citizen by June 17, 2024, and having lived in the U.S. for at least ten years. However, individuals who have been deported at any point may not qualify, which has raised concerns among some families about their ability to benefit from the new policy.
The White House estimates that approximately 500,000 undocumented spouses and 50,000 children under 21 could be eligible for these protections, along with around 90,000 dreamers. While this action does not grant immediate citizenship, it represents a significant relief for many families who have faced the emotional and logistical challenges of living undocumented in the U.S.
Reactions to the announcement have been mixed. Immigration advocates have praised the move as a necessary step toward family unity, while critics, including Donald Trump's campaign, have labeled it an \"amnesty program.\" The administration anticipates potential legal challenges but believes it is on solid legal ground.
As immigration remains a contentious issue in the upcoming election, this executive action may serve as a pivotal point for Biden, particularly among Latino voters in key battleground states. Polling indicates that support for Biden could increase among these voters as a result of this announcement, highlighting the complex dynamics of immigration policy in American politics.
The new executive action allows undocumented spouses who have lived in the U.S. for at least a decade to apply for legal status without leaving the country, a process that previously required them to depart for extended periods, sometimes up to ten years. Under this action, these individuals can also obtain work permits while they navigate the path to permanent residency. Additionally, the initiative eases work visa processes for DACA recipients and dreamers.
Eligibility for these protections includes being legally married to a U.S. citizen by June 17, 2024, and having lived in the U.S. for at least ten years. However, individuals who have been deported at any point may not qualify, which has raised concerns among some families about their ability to benefit from the new policy.
The White House estimates that approximately 500,000 undocumented spouses and 50,000 children under 21 could be eligible for these protections, along with around 90,000 dreamers. While this action does not grant immediate citizenship, it represents a significant relief for many families who have faced the emotional and logistical challenges of living undocumented in the U.S.
Reactions to the announcement have been mixed. Immigration advocates have praised the move as a necessary step toward family unity, while critics, including Donald Trump's campaign, have labeled it an \"amnesty program.\" The administration anticipates potential legal challenges but believes it is on solid legal ground.
As immigration remains a contentious issue in the upcoming election, this executive action may serve as a pivotal point for Biden, particularly among Latino voters in key battleground states. Polling indicates that support for Biden could increase among these voters as a result of this announcement, highlighting the complex dynamics of immigration policy in American politics.
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