WASHINGTON, D.C. — Tomorrow the Biden administration is expected to announce a measure that would offer legal protections to undocumented immigrants who are married to U.S. citizens and have lived in the U.S. for at least 10 years.
The legal protections would be offered through parole in place, which allows individuals to live and work in the country without fear of deportation. The administration is also expected to announce steps to make it easier for some Dreamers, young undocumented people who came to the U.S. as children, to be sponsored for temporary work visas.
“We are pleased to see the Biden administration consider action to keep families together and provide additional opportunities for Dreamers. We continue to urge Congress to pass permanent solutions, which is the only way to guarantee enduring relief for these populations,” said Jennie Murray, President and CEO of the National Immigration Forum.
“Our current immigration system allows undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens to obtain green cards, but the legalization process requires leaving the U.S. — with the possibility of not being allowed back in for 10 years. Providing temporary protections and work authorization to spouses of U.S. citizens would be a positive step to keep these families together. Expanding work opportunities for Dreamers would be another step forward.
“As is true when addressing our border challenges, executive actions represent only a temporary fix and could be subject to court challenges. Republicans and Democrats in Congress must provide lasting immigration solutions.”