President Joe Biden has unveiled a new initiative providing a path to citizenship for hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants married to U.S. citizens. This move contrasts sharply with Republican rival Donald Trump’s hardline immigration policies.
Announced at a White House event, the program targets approximately 500,000 undocumented spouses who have lived in the U.S. for at least 10 years. Additionally, 50,000 children under 21 with a U.S.-citizen parent will be eligible. Biden’s announcement aims to showcase a more humane immigration approach ahead of the Nov. 5 presidential election.
Biden criticized Trump for his harsh immigration policies, including family separations at the U.S.-Mexico border and incendiary remarks about immigrants. “It’s hard to believe it’s being said, but he’s actually saying these things out loud. And it’s outrageous,” Biden stated. He emphasized his focus on fixing immigration issues rather than politicizing them.
Despite his commitment to reversing many of Trump’s restrictive policies, Biden has also implemented stricter measures due to record migrant arrests. Earlier this month, he barred most migrants crossing the border from requesting asylum, a move that has drawn criticism from immigration advocates and some Democrats.
The new program allows spouses and their children to apply for permanent residence without leaving the U.S., streamlining a process that often results in family separations. If granted permanent residence, they can eventually apply for U.S. citizenship. However, those with disqualifying criminal histories or deemed public security threats will be ineligible.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott, a Republican, has already labeled the effort “blatantly illegal” and accused Biden of “pandering for votes.” The U.S. already has a path to citizenship for immigrants married to Americans who entered legally, but undocumented spouses often face prolonged separation from their families.
Mexico’s President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador praised Biden’s decision as “very good news.” The announcement coincides with the anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which grants deportation relief and work permits to 528,000 people brought to the U.S. as children.
Trump campaign spokesperson Karoline Leavitt condemned the program as “amnesty” that would invite more illegal immigration. Trump’s campaign has emphasized crimes committed by immigrants and pledged mass deportations if elected.
Polls show mixed opinions on immigration. A Reuters/Ipsos poll indicates that over half of U.S. voters support deporting all or most undocumented immigrants. Conversely, a survey by the Immigration Hub found that 71% of voters in key battleground states support allowing undocumented spouses to stay if they have been in the U.S. for over five years.
Rebecca Shi, executive director of the American Business Immigration Coalition, highlighted bipartisan support for legalizing spouses. “It boosts turnout in terms of Latino and base voters, but it also has support with the middle and the right,” she said.
For many families, the new program could bring significant relief. Megan, a social worker from Wisconsin, and her undocumented husband Juan have lived with constant fear of deportation. “It’s just a low-level stress that’s always there,” she said, expressing hope that the new policy will finally allow her family to live without fear.
