Even as the presidential elections approach in the US, the Biden administration is set to introduce a measure that could provide legal status to around 500,000 immigrants. The plan will qualify all immigrants residing in the U.S. for a minimum of 10 years and being married to a U.S. citizen for permanent residency and eventual citizenship
The significant relief measure will impact lakhs of immigrants without legal status in the United States. Donald Trump, the Republican adversary of President Biden, has always alleged that Biden is dishonestly settling immigrants and making a vote bank out of them.
The eligible immigrant, upon approval, will have three years to apply for a green card. He or she will receive a temporary work permit. The immigrant in such cases will be immune to deportation during this period. Significantly, the duration of marriage is not a barring criterion for the new measure.
June 17, 2024, will be the deadline for the measure. Those attaining 10 years after the date mentioned will not qualify for the programme. The fee structure is not yet public, but the application process will open soon, by the end of summer.
It is likely that President Biden will unveil this plan at an event, coinciding with the 12th anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Recently, Biden’s stringent border policies, have drawn considerable legal challenges
The initiative of Joe Biden is being seen as his commitment to safeguard undocumented immigrants. It is also a step further on the base built up by previous presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama.
Also Read: Delhi Police Likely To File Chargesheet Against Arundhati Roy Next Week
