Immigrant Spouses Of U.S. Citizens To Be American Now
The U.S. government has officially started accepting applications for a program initiated by the Biden administration. This program aims to provide an easier path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who are married to U.S. citizens.
This is significant because: An initiative, unveiled in June, is projected to assist approximately 500,000 individuals in obtaining legal employment, bypassing regulations that often require many to depart the country for extended periods if they entered without proper authorisation.
In a significant development, a new rule has been implemented that has far-reaching implications. This rule applies not only to stepchildren of U.S. citizens who lack legal status but also to other immigrants. It grants them the opportunity to obtain lawful permanent residency, commonly referred to as a green card, without the need to leave the country.
In addition, individuals will have the opportunity to apply for a work permit that is valid for a period of three years. However, it is important to note that meeting the eligibility requirements for this permit is a rigorous process. In order to be eligible, individuals are required to provide evidence of their presence in the United States for a minimum of 10 years prior to June 17, 2024. Additionally, it is necessary for applicants to have a valid marriage recognised by the law.
In a reality check, it is anticipated that this program, similar to other initiatives designed to assist undocumented immigrants, will inevitably encounter legal obstacles.
The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which was implemented during President Obama’s tenure, is no longer accepting new applications due to a court ruling.
Karen Tumlin, founder and director of Justice Action Centre, expressed her readiness to defend the lawful and transformative process from any potential legal challenge. She also emphasised the importance of expanding eligibility criteria to include other mixed status couples, according to a news release.
According to Jessica Cisneros, managing attorney for the Texas Immigration Law Council, the program is designed to reduce the risks associated with obtaining a green card for immigrants whose U.S. citizen spouses have filed petitions on their behalf.
Families are able to remain together. There is no lingering question about whether leaving means being able to return.
In recent news, there has been a development that requires attention. The Texas Immigration Law Council has recently launched a new initiative to assist individuals in their search for reliable information. They have established a free, bilingual hotline to provide guidance and support. Additionally, they have issued a warning to the public about the potential for scams related to the application process. It is crucial for individuals to remain vigilant and cautious to avoid falling victim to fraudulent activities.
In a significant development, Democratic President Joe Biden has unveiled a program aimed at granting legal status to long-term U.S. residents who entered the country illegally. This move is being hailed as one of the biggest steps taken by the Biden administration in addressing the issue. In a move that has caught attention months ahead of the Nov. 5 election, Republicans have placed illegal immigration at the forefront of their campaign.
In a recent development, President Trump has voiced his criticism towards Vice President Harris regarding the surge in illegal border crossings since she and President Biden assumed office earlier this year. In response, Harris has emphasised her own track record in law enforcement and has pointed out Trump’s opposition to a border security bill that had bipartisan support but ultimately did not pass in the U.S. Senate.
During campaign events held in Arizona and Nevada this month, Harris advocated for granting “an earned pathway to citizenship” to immigrants who are currently residing in the United States without legal documentation.
In June, Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson for the Trump campaign, referred to the citizenship program as a “mass amnesty” and restated Trump’s commitment to deporting a significant number of immigrants who are in the country illegally if he is re-elected.
Qualifying spouses can now apply for permanent residence without having to leave the United States, thanks to the Keeping Families Together program. This means they no longer have to face the prospect of being separated from their families for extended periods of time before being allowed to return. After obtaining permanent residence, a spouse is eligible to apply for citizenship in just three years.
The program is expected to encounter legal challenges from Republican leaders.
An initiative has been proposed that may provide a potential pathway to citizenship for certain individuals who are currently enrolled in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. This program offers relief from deportation and grants work permits to immigrants who were brought to the United States illegally as children.
In 2012, President Barack Obama initiated the launch of DACA during his tenure as vice president alongside Biden. In a move that sparked controversy, former President Trump made an attempt to terminate the DACA program during his tenure from 2017 to 2021. However, his efforts were met with opposition as the Supreme Court intervened and blocked his decision. Republican attorneys general from Texas and other states have persistently contested the legality of DACA.
