Aimed at Family Unity
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas emphasized the importance of family unity, stating, “It is about family unity. That is an ethic and a value of this country.”
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The new action aligns with this value by keeping families together and allowing them to remain in the U.S. during the residency application process.
Impact on American Families
This executive action is set to benefit around 500,000 American families and 50,000 noncitizen children under the age of 21.
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By eliminating the need for spouses to leave the country, the Biden administration is addressing a significant barrier that has previously disrupted families and created uncertainty about their future in the U.S.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible, individuals must have lived in the U.S. for at least 10 years and be legally married to a U.S. citizen.
The change is expected to streamline the application process and reduce the risks associated with leaving the country, thereby providing a more stable and secure path to residency.
Timing and Application Process
The application process for this new program will open by the end of the summer.
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The timing is strategic, providing enough lead time for eligible individuals to prepare their applications while also aligning with the Biden administration’s broader immigration policy goals.
Political Implications
The move is seen as an effort to appeal to key Latino constituencies in battleground states such as Arizona, Nevada, and Georgia.
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These states are crucial for Biden’s re-election bid, and the administration hopes that this policy will garner support from immigrant communities and their allies.
Economic Benefits
Immigration experts suggest that allowing undocumented spouses to apply for residency without leaving the U.S. could have significant economic benefits.
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By enabling them to seek higher-wage jobs, this policy could unlock suppressed economic potential and contribute positively to the U.S. economy.
Criticism and Legal Challenges
Despite its potential benefits, the executive action faces criticism and legal challenges from some Republican leaders. They argue that the policy could create incentives for illegal immigration and undermine the rule of law.
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Legal battles are anticipated, but the Biden administration believes the action is within their legal authority.
Bipartisan Solutions and Congressional Inaction
Senator Thom Tillis, a Republican who has worked on immigration issues, advocates for a bipartisan bill as a better solution.
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However, he and other Republicans have previously voted against such measures, highlighting the ongoing challenge of achieving comprehensive immigration reform in Congress.
Support from Immigration Advocates
Immigration advocacy groups have welcomed the announcement, viewing it as a positive step towards protecting families affected by broken immigration laws.
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Todd Schulte, president of FWD.us, encouraged President Biden to act boldly, noting that Americans across the political spectrum support responsible protections for long-term residents.
Personal Stories and Community Impact
Democratic Rep. Delia Ramirez, whose husband is a DACA recipient, expressed mixed feelings.
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While welcoming the new action, she pointed out that many people remain in the shadows, highlighting the ongoing need for broader immigration reform to address the concerns of undocumented individuals still waiting for relief.
Future Steps and Administration's Commitment
President Biden has hinted at further steps to make the immigration system more fair and just in the coming weeks.
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His administration remains committed to taking action where Congress has not, as emphasized by Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas, who praised Biden’s leadership in addressing the challenges of the current immigration system.