Biden Expected to Announce Executive Measures Protecting Undocumented Spouses of U.S. Citizens
PBS reports that Biden is expected to announce executive measures next week to protect undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens from deportation and allow them to work legally, possibly with an easier path to status adjustment. The White House says no final decision has been made, and sources expect the protections to be far narrower than advocates' estimate of up to 1.1 million people. The report also notes litigation over border asylum restrictions and political considerations among Latino voters.
PBS reports that Biden is expected to announce new executive measures early next week to protect undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens from deportation and allow them to work legally in the United States. The plan may also provide a simpler path for these spouses to obtain U.S. citizenship more easily. Biden is expected to make the announcement at a White House event on Tuesday commemorating the 12th anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. DACA has protected more than 800,000 children brought to the U.S. as children from deportation.
White House officials said no final decisions have been made on other possible executive actions. White House spokesperson Angelo Hernández added that the administration 'is still exploring a range of policy options, and we are committed to taking action to address our broken immigration system.' If implemented, it is unclear how many undocumented spouses would be protected, but some lawmakers and immigration advocates estimate it could affect as many as 1.1 million people. However, sources familiar with the White House's plans told PBS NewsHour they expect the protections to be much narrower in scope.
The White House has been reviewing a program known as 'parole in place,' which would allow people to adjust their status without leaving the United States, making it possible for them to obtain work permits and green cards.
About two weeks ago, Biden issued an executive measure barring asylum seekers from entering the U.S. between ports of entry. Biden himself hinted at this action last week when announcing the asylum crackdown. 'To those who say the measures I've taken are too strict, I say to you... be patient,' Biden said. 'In the weeks ahead—and I mean the weeks ahead—I will discuss how we can make our immigration system more fair and more just.'
Biden's move to crack down on migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border has drawn strong criticism from immigration advocates and many Latino lawmakers in Congress. On Wednesday, immigrant rights organizations and the American Civil Liberties Union sued the Biden administration over the asylum order. Nevertheless, with less than five months until the election, Biden has moved swiftly in recent weeks to adopt stricter border enforcement measures. But the anticipated new initiative to protect undocumented spouses could also provide a political boost for the president among Latino voters and his base.
The Congressional Hispanic Caucus and immigration advocacy groups have for months been urging the White House to provide work permits and deportation protections for undocumented immigrants married to U.S. citizens. In recent meetings with Biden, White House officials, and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, lawmakers pushed the issue and received a positive response.
Latino lawmakers and immigration advocates also encouraged the White House to consider similar protections and work permits for undocumented caregivers and farmworkers living in the United States. Democrats noted that such executive measures could help their party attract Latino voters in Arizona and Nevada during the campaign.
