President Joe Biden unveils a new plan to provide a pathway to citizenship for approximately 500,000 undocumented immigrants who are married to U.S. citizens. Announced on Tuesday at the White House during the 12th anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, the initiative aims to allow these individuals to apply for permanent residence without the need to leave the country.
“These immigrants have been living in America for at least a decade, contributing to our communities and our economy,” Biden said. “It’s time we provide them with a fair opportunity to become full participants in our society.”
The new program is part of Biden’s broader effort to create a more just and humane immigration system. It offers undocumented spouses who have been residing in the U.S. for ten years or more the chance to gain permanent residency, thus shielding them from the threat of deportation. This move, often referred to as “parole in place,” is designed to keep families together and recognize the contributions of immigrants to American society.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre highlighted the significance of the plan, stating, “This action ensures that our immigration system is fair and just. It aligns with our values as a nation of immigrants and underscores the importance of family unity.”
The plan has received enthusiastic support from Democratic lawmakers and immigration advocates. California Congressman Robert Garcia hailed the initiative as “transformative,” emphasizing its potential to impact the lives of hundreds of thousands of immigrants positively. “This plan will keep families together and provide a pathway to citizenship for those who have already demonstrated their commitment to our country,” Garcia said.
However, the announcement has also sparked criticism from opponents. The Trump campaign has condemned the move as “mass amnesty” and accused Biden of using the policy as a political maneuver to gain votes. “This is nothing but a power grab,” a campaign spokesperson declared, arguing that the plan undermines the rule of law and rewards illegal immigration.
Biden’s announcement comes on the heels of his administration’s recent efforts to tighten asylum policies at the U.S.-Mexico border. Despite these stricter measures, the President continues to call on Congress to enact comprehensive immigration reform to address the systemic issues within the current system.
“The executive actions we take are necessary, but they are not enough,” Biden said. “We need Congress to step up and pass legislation to fix our broken immigration system once and for all.”
As the debate over immigration policy intensifies, Biden’s latest initiative underscores his administration’s commitment to balancing enforcement with compassion and fairness. The new plan marks a significant step towards providing long-term stability for undocumented immigrants married to U.S. citizens and reinforcing the nation’s foundational values of family and inclusion.
