Overview
President Joe Biden is launching a new program to help many immigrants who are married to U.S. citizens. This plan offers a way for them to become U.S. citizens. This is a major change compared to the approach of Donald Trump, who wants to deport many immigrants.
Overview of the New Program
Announcement Details
- Date: President Biden will announce this program on Tuesday.
- Event: This announcement will be made during a White House event marking the anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
Key Points of the Program
- Eligibility: The program is for immigrants who:
- Are married to U.S. citizens.
- I have lived in the U.S. for at least 10 years as of June 17.
- Estimated Beneficiaries: About 500,000 spouses.
- Additional Beneficiaries: Around 50,000 children under 21 with a U.S. citizen parent.
Main Benefits
- Pathway to Permanent Residence: Eligible immigrants can apply for permanent residence without leaving the U.S.
- Future Citizenship: They can eventually apply for U.S. citizenship.
Context and Background
Biden’s Immigration Policies
- Reversing Trump’s Policies: Biden promised to change many of Trump’s strict immigration rules.
- Current Challenges: Biden has faced record numbers of migrant arrests at the U.S.-Mexico border.
- Recent Measures:
- Earlier this month, Biden introduced a policy similar to Trump’s, barring most migrants crossing the border from requesting asylum.
Differences from Trump’s Approach
- Humane System: Biden’s plan aims to create a more humane immigration system.
- Contrast with Trump: Trump has a tough stance on immigration and plans for mass deportations if re-elected.
Connection to DACA
DACA Program
- History: Started in 2012 by former President Obama and Vice President Biden.
- Current Status: Provides deportation relief and work permits to about 528,000 people brought to the U.S. as children.
New Guidance for DACA Recipients
- Skilled-Work Visas: The Biden administration plans to make obtaining skilled-work visas easier for DACA recipients.
Political Reactions and Public Opinion
Support and Criticism
- Supporters: U.S. Representative Adriano Espaillat and various advocacy groups back the plan, seeing it as balancing recent border enforcement measures.
- Critics: Trump’s campaign labeled the program as “amnesty” and reiterated his commitment to strict immigration laws.
Public Opinion
- Deportation Support: A little over half of U.S. voters support deporting most immigrants in the U.S. illegally.
- Support for Spouses: A poll by Immigration Hub found that 71% of voters in key states support allowing long-term spouses of U.S. citizens to stay.
- Bipartisan Support: Focus groups showed that many independent and Republican voters also support legal status for spouses.
Real-Life Impact
A Family’s Story
- Megan and Juan:
- Megan, from Wisconsin, met her husband Juan 20 years ago.
- Juan, from Mexico, has been living in the U.S. illegally.
- They have two daughters, ages 4 and 7.
- Megan fears Juan could be deported due to his undocumented status, which affects their daily lives.
- Possible Relocation: The family might move to Mexico if Juan is deported.
Conclusion
President Biden’s new program aims to provide a pathway to citizenship for spouses of U.S. citizens, contrasting sharply with Trump’s deportation plans. This initiative is part of Biden’s broader effort to create a more humane immigration system and aligns with the anniversary of the DACA program. The plan has generated varied reactions from political figures and the public, highlighting the ongoing debate on immigration policy in the U.S.
Table of Contents
References
- Reuters News Report on Biden’s Immigration Policy: For full details, see the latest news coverage by Reuters.
- Immigration Hub Poll: Provides insights on voter opinions regarding immigration.
- DACA Program Information: Historical background and current status of DACA.
