TheLittleTwentieth – Renowned Papers Edition, AI Infused

Local sources from United States: The Associated Press, BBC.com.
UK coverage: Sky News.

In a significant move by the Biden administration, plans have been unveiled to provide a pathway to citizenship for undocumented spouses of US citizens. This new policy has the potential to benefit around 500,000 individuals who have lived in the US for at least 10 years and are married to US citizens. Under the proposed program, eligible spouses will have the opportunity to apply for a ‘parole in place’ program, which would protect them from deportation and grant them work permits. The announcement comes as President Biden faces criticism for his recent crackdown on asylum processing at the US-Mexico border.

The Associated Press reports that President Biden will make the official announcement at a White House event, coinciding with the 12th anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. The DACA program, introduced during the Obama era, offered deportation protections for young undocumented immigrants. The new policy for spouses of US citizens aims to provide relief for families who have deep ties in the country but lack legal status.

According to the BBC, the policy will apply to spouses who have been in the US for at least 10 years and will allow them to work legally. The White House estimates that over 500,000 spouses will be eligible for this program. Additionally, around 50,000 young people under the age of 21, whose parent is married to a US citizen, could also benefit from this policy. This marks a significant relief program for undocumented migrants already in the US, similar to the DACA program introduced in 2012.

The Biden administration’s decision to provide a pathway to citizenship for undocumented spouses of US citizens has been met with mixed reactions. Advocates for immigration reform have praised the policy, stating that it is a defining moment in history. They believe that it will help create a more just and fair immigration system. However, critics, such as NumbersUSA, an organization advocating for tighter immigration controls, have criticized the policy as ‘unconscionable’ and argue that it sends a message of amnesty to those who enter the US illegally.

While the policy is expected to face legal challenges, similar to the DACA program, the Biden administration remains committed to making the US immigration system more just. The application process for eligible spouses is expected to open by the end of summer, granting them an opportunity to apply for permanent residency and a three-year work permit. This move by the Biden administration reflects their ongoing efforts to address immigration issues and provide relief for undocumented individuals and their families.