Biden Administration Developing Immigration Relief Program for Unauthorized Immigrants

The Biden administration is gearing up to unveil one of the most significant immigration relief programs in recent memory, with plans to offer legal status to hundreds of thousands of immigrants living in the U.S. without proper documentation. According to sources familiar with the plans, the program would provide work permits and deportation protections to unauthorized immigrants who are married to U.S. citizens and have been living in the country for at least a decade.

The proposed policy, known as “Parole in Place,” would also create a pathway to permanent legal status and eventual citizenship for eligible individuals by removing barriers in U.S. law that currently prevent them from obtaining green cards without leaving the country. Additionally, the Biden administration is working on streamlining the process for DREAMers and other undocumented immigrants to request waivers that would facilitate obtaining temporary visas, such as H-1B visas for high-skilled workers.

While the measures could be announced as early as Tuesday, the administration has not finalized its plans. The White House is reportedly preparing to host an event to commemorate the 12th anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which shields approximately 530,000 undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children from deportation.

The potential implementation of the “Parole in Place” program would mark a significant step by President Biden to address the broken immigration system through executive action. However, the move is likely to face legal challenges, particularly from Republican-led states that have opposed the administration’s immigration policies. Despite potential opposition, the policy could help garner support from Latino voters, including those in mixed-status families who stand to benefit from the program.

Overall, the proposed immigration relief program represents a major effort by the Biden administration to provide a path to legal status for a significant number of undocumented immigrants living in the U.S. unlawfully. As the administration continues to navigate the complexities of immigration policy, the impact of these proposed measures remains to be seen.