President Biden Announces Executive Order Granting Parole in Place for Undocumented Spouses of U.S. Citizens
This executive order represents a significant step forward in addressing the complexities of immigration policy and supporting the undocumented community.
Albuquerque NM. - On Tuesday, June 18,2024 President Biden announced a new executive order that will grant parole in place to over a million undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens. This historic move aims to provide protection from deportation, work authorization, and a potential pathway for adjustment of status for undocumented individuals who have been married to a U.S. citizen before June 1, 2024 and have lived in
the U.S. for at least 10 years. The announcement is expected to include nearly 100,000 DACA recipients who are married to U.S. citizens.
This significant policy change is expected to positively impact the lives of many, offering stability and security to families across the nation. This has been a sorely needed opportunity for many undocumented immigrants across the nation, after decades of neglect to update and humanize the US immigration system. It is clear that all undocumented immigrants in the country deserve a dignified pathway to citizenship. At a time of increased enforcement and militarization at the southern border, the immigrant rights movement must continue to seek comprehensive relief for undocumented families as well as asylum seekers and refugees.
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“I’m happily married to a US citizen and in the process of becoming a legal permanent resident. Due to gaps in immigration law, I've had to complete the difficult journey of leaving the country and coming back in, though DACA advance parole. If I didn't have DACA, I would not have been eligible for advance parole. When returning to the U.S. with advance parole, I had a traumatic experience crossing the border. Immigrant individuals already face immigration trauma when leaving the country due to the fear of what might happen and the uncertainty of being allowed back in. Sadly, I was treated very poorly upon re-entry, an experience that left a lasting negative impact on me.
This new policy will help keep many mixed-status families together during the immigration process, a time that is usually very stressful for families. It will protect individuals from the extreme and unnecessary harassment by CBP officials that many who did not enter lawfully have to endure to adjust their status within the United States.
Applications for parole in place are often faster and easier to file than waivers for people who did not come to the U.S. with permission. While DACA recipients have the opportunity for advance parole, many are not eligible. This new process would allow applications to be processed faster and smoother, providing safety and benefits while individuals apply to change their status.
I urge all eligible individuals to take advantage of this opportunity and apply for parole in place. It is essential for our community to stay informed and utilize the resources available to ensure families can stay together and live without fear.Together, we can navigate this process and work towards a more secure future for our families and communities."
—Hali Calzadillas,
DOJ Accredited Representative for Santa Fe Dreamers Project and Member of NM Dream Team”
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"The Biden administration's announcement to provide deportation protections for undocumented spouses and children of U.S. citizens and to expedite work permits for DACA recipients is a positive and necessary step. These measures not only recognize the significant contributions of immigrants to our communities but also promote family unity and economic stability. However, these executive actions underscore the urgency of comprehensive immigration reform by Congress to provide permanent and fair solutions for millions of people who call the United States home. We remain committed to supporting our clients and advocating for policies that reflect the values of inclusion and justice."
—Jessica Martínez,
Director of Policy and Coalition Building at NMILC”
Top things you need to know:
● Parole in Place: Undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens who meet the criteria will be granted parole in place, protecting them from deportation.
● Work Authorization: Eligible individuals will receive work authorization, enabling them to legally work in the United States.
● Pathway to Adjustment of Status: The order provides a possible pathway for adjustment of status, offering a long-term solution for undocumented spouses.
● Eligibility Requirements: Individuals must have been married to a U.S. citizen before June 1, 2024, and have lived in the U.S. for at least ten years.
● Inclusion of DACA Recipients: Nearly 100,000 DACA recipients married to U.S. citizens are expected to benefit from this executive order.
● Expected Legal Challenges: Challenges in the courts are to be expected based on previous conservative response to immigration relief programs such as DACA
