President Joe Biden is set to announce new measures on Tuesday aimed at simplifying the pathway to permanent residency for undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens, according to a White House statement. These changes are part of the Biden administration’s ongoing efforts to balance a firm stance on illegal immigration with more humane policies compared to those of former President Donald Trump.
The new rules will not broaden the eligibility criteria for permanent residency but will streamline the existing process for those who already qualify. This includes eliminating the requirement for applicants to leave the country during the application process.
Under the new regulations, undocumented spouses who have been in the United States for at least 10 years and were married to a U.S. citizen before June 17, 2024, will be eligible. The administration estimates that approximately 500,000 people fall into this category. Additionally, about 50,000 stepchildren of U.S. citizens will also qualify under these new rules.
Approved applicants will receive work authorization and the right to remain in the United States for up to three years while their permanent residency applications are processed. Permanent residency, commonly known as a green card, could eventually allow these individuals to apply for U.S. citizenship.
A senior administration official emphasized the goal of reducing bureaucratic hurdles and minimizing the hardship associated with the current process. “What we are announcing are potentially streamlined processes… (to) minimize the bureaucracy, minimize the hardship that having to leave the country creates,” the official stated.
Another official highlighted the need for legislative action, noting that “only Congress can deliver… comprehensive reform of our immigration and asylum laws.”
The announcement comes as Biden seeks to navigate the politically sensitive issue of immigration ahead of the upcoming presidential election. The administration’s previous attempts at comprehensive immigration reform, including a bipartisan package, failed when Republican support waned.
In addition to these new measures, the Biden administration will simplify the process for “Dreamers” — children who came to the United States illegally — to obtain work visas if they have graduated from college and have a high-skilled job offer.
This latest move underscores the administration’s ongoing efforts to present a more compassionate approach to immigration while maintaining national security and legal integrity.
