US President, Joe Biden, is set to unveil comprehensive new measures set to safeguard numerous immigrants, who, despite being connected to the US via marriages to its citizens, have been residing unlawfully for an extended period in the country.
In conjunction with the commemoration of the 12th year since the implementation of DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), which offers protection from expulsion to those who arrived as children in the US, Biden will outline these proposals from the White House this Tuesday.
According to this proposed policy, those immigrants married to US citizens but without documentation would be granted immunity from expulsion, work permits, and a progression toward achieving citizenship. Although it is estimated that up to half a million undocumented spouses could be impacted, definitive details on the size and scope of the programme are not yet clear.
Generally, being married to a US citizen simplifies the process toward US citizenship. However, those who entered through the southern border without legal permission and without a visa are required to return to their home nations to acquire a green card, resulting in an extended absence from their US-based families. With Biden’s new policy, families would be permitted to stay in the US while progressing toward legality.
This proposed policy could be the most significant individual effort by any president to aid illegal immigrants since Obama introduced DACA.
Furthermore, Biden is anticipated to disclose further methods to aid those under DACA, also referred to as Dreamers, with obtaining work visas on Tuesday. The White House has not yet responded to requests for comment.