The White House is exploring options to grant temporary legal status and work permits to undocumented immigrants married to U.S. citizens, sources familiar with the matter revealed on Monday. This move could galvanize Democrats as they prepare for the November elections.
Pressure from Democratic lawmakers and advocacy groups has mounted on President Joe Biden to safeguard undocumented immigrants while simultaneously addressing concerns about illegal border crossings.
Immigration has become a prominent issue, particularly among Republicans, with President Biden’s predecessor, Donald Trump, attributing a surge in illegal immigration to Biden’s less restrictive policies.
Recent deliberations within the White House have contemplated executive actions to potentially block migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border if crossings exceed a certain threshold, drawing criticism from some Democrats and advocates.
The administration has explored the concept of “parole in place” for spouses of U.S. citizens, granting temporary status that includes work permits and potentially a pathway to citizenship.
However, sources caution that no concrete actions have been finalized or imminent.
While the administration is continuously assessing policy options, a White House spokesperson refrained from confirming discussions on specific actions, emphasizing the commitment to ensuring eligible individuals receive relief promptly and to building a more equitable and compassionate immigration system.
According to data from the advocacy organization FWD.us, approximately 1.1 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S. are married to American citizens.
Last year, 86 Democrats urged Biden and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to safeguard the spouses of U.S. citizens and establish a process for family reunification for those residing outside the country.
At a press conference advocating for immigration reform in Washington, Allyson Batista, a Philadelphia resident and U.S. citizen, shared her experience of living in uncertainty with her Brazilian-born husband, who lacks legal immigration status despite 20 years of marriage.
Batista, who runs a construction company with her husband and has three children, implored Biden to take action to alleviate their ongoing fear of separation, particularly in the event of another administration less sympathetic to immigrants taking office.
