On Tuesday, June 18, President Joe Biden will introduce new regulations aimed at facilitating undocumented spouses of US citizens in obtaining permanent residency, according to the White House.
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These rules, while not broadening eligibility for permanent residency, aim to streamline the process for those who already meet the criteria.
A significant change includes removing the requirement for applicants to leave the country during the application process.
This adjustment is expected to benefit approximately 500,000 individuals who have been in the United States for at least a decade and were married to US citizens before June 17, 2024.
Additionally, around 50,000 stepchildren of US citizens would also qualify under these revised rules.
Once approved, individuals will receive work authorization and permission to stay in the US for up to three years while they apply for permanent residency, commonly known as a green card. This residency status opens the pathway for them to apply for citizenship.
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image via: NBCnews.com
Senior administration officials emphasized that these changes are intended to simplify bureaucratic hurdles and reduce the challenges associated with leaving the country.
They clarified, however, that only comprehensive immigration reform from Congress can address broader issues within the immigration and asylum systems.
In a related move, the Biden administration plans to ease the process for “Dreamers” — undocumented individuals who came to the US as children — to obtain work visas if they have completed college and secured high-skilled job offers.
These initiatives reflect ongoing efforts by the administration to reform aspects of the US immigration policy through executive actions amid challenges in achieving legislative consensus.
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