President Joe Biden of the United States has unveiled a new pathway to citizenship for immigrants married to U.S. citizens, aiming to balance a firm stance on illegal border crossings with a more humane immigration policy as the November presidential election looms.
Biden’s new plan simplifies the residency process for immigrants who have been in the U.S. for at least ten years and married to a U.S. citizen by June 17, 2024. This includes approximately 500,000 spouses and 50,000 stepchildren of U.S. citizens, allowing them to stay and work in the U.S. for up to three years while applying for a green card and eventually full citizenship. “What we are announcing are potentially streamlined processes… to minimize the bureaucracy,” a senior administration official stated.
The announcement received mixed reactions. Republicans criticized the move, with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene accusing Biden of issuing a “vote-buying free citizenship executive order,” while Rep. Josh Brecheen argued that the plan protects “550,000 illegal aliens from deportation.”
In contrast, immigration reform advocates praised the initiative. Rebecca Shi of the American Business Immigration Coalition remarked, “President Biden’s action… is morally right, economically sound and politically smart.” She emphasized that the policy will significantly impact millions of Americans with undocumented family members.
Biden’s strategy contrasts with former President Donald Trump’s immigration rhetoric, as Trump continues to push for severe immigration restrictions and mass deportations. The new rules also come as Biden defends his asylum policies and attempts to address bipartisan concerns over illegal immigration.
