Biden Administration Weighing Plan to Grant Legal Status to Undocumented Immigrants in the U.S.
President Biden’s administration is considering a groundbreaking move that could potentially grant legal status and a path to citizenship for hundreds of thousands of immigrants living in the U.S. illegally. The plan, known as “parole in place,” would provide work permits and deportation protections to certain unauthorized immigrants with American citizen spouses.
According to sources familiar with the discussions, the proposal would primarily benefit long-term undocumented immigrants who have been residing in the U.S. for years. While the final details have not been confirmed, the plan could offer a way for these individuals to obtain permanent residency and eventually citizenship.
The Biden administration’s use of parole authority has already faced legal challenges, but this new proposal could provide relief to a significant portion of the country’s undocumented population. With an estimated 11 million unauthorized immigrants in the U.S., including 1.1 million with American citizen spouses, the plan could have far-reaching implications.
Progressive lawmakers and advocates see the proposal as a potential political win for President Biden, particularly among Latino voters. Polling has shown broad support for measures to legalize long-term undocumented immigrants, and this move could energize key voting blocs ahead of the upcoming election.
If approved, the plan would allow undocumented spouses of American citizens to obtain temporary work permits and legal status without leaving the country. This could provide a pathway to permanent residency and eventual citizenship, bypassing certain barriers in U.S. immigration law.
While the details are still being finalized, the potential impact of this proposal on the immigrant community and the broader political landscape is significant. As the Biden administration continues to navigate the complexities of immigration policy, the parole in place plan represents a bold step towards addressing the challenges faced by undocumented individuals in the U.S.