Immigrants Brace for New Biden Protections Amid Excitement and Uncertainty

Starting Monday, a new Biden administration program will enable some undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens to legalize their status without leaving the country, bringing renewed hope to many who have long faced the threat of deportation, according to the Associated Press.

This program represents a unique chance for many to remove the looming fear of deportation and eventually pursue U.S. citizenship. However, despite the optimism, concerns remain about who exactly will benefit from what is being described as the most comprehensive U.S. immigration protection policy in over a decade, as reported by the Associated Press.

President Joe Biden’s policy, announced in June, allows many undocumented spouses to apply for “parole in place,” which grants permission to stay in the U.S., apply for a green card, and eventually embark on the path to citizenship, the Associated Press notes.

To qualify, applicants must have lived continuously in the U.S. for at least 10 years, pose no security risk, have no disqualifying criminal record, and have been married to a U.S. citizen by June 17, the day before the program was unveiled. They must also pay a $580 application fee and submit a detailed application, including a humanitarian parole justification and extensive documentation proving their long-term residence in the U.S., according to the Associated Press.

Applications will be reviewed by the Department of Homeland Security. If approved, applicants will have three years to apply for permanent residency and, during this time, will be eligible for work authorization, the Associated Press reports.

The Biden administration estimates that approximately 500,000 people, along with 50,000 of their children, could be eligible for this program, the Associated Press says.

Before this initiative, undocumented individuals who married U.S. citizens often faced a complicated and lengthy process to obtain a green card, frequently requiring them to return to their home country for an extended period with no guarantee of being allowed back into the U.S., as highlighted by the Associated Press.

News of the program’s launch has sparked a nationwide scramble among couples to determine their eligibility, with immigrant advocacy groups stepping in to provide guidance and counter misinformation. Some organizations have even taken to the airwaves with radio ads to spread the word, the Associated Press reports.

While many view the program as a positive step, activists and immigration attorneys caution that applicants must carefully weigh the risks, especially considering potential legal challenges from Republicans and the uncertainty of future policies if former President Donald Trump, who has vowed to deport millions, returns to office, according to the Associated Press.