President Biden is introducing new rules to protect the migrant spouses of U.S. citizens from being deported. The Department of Homeland Security will be implementing a new policy that will allow certain migrants to apply for lawful permanent resident status. This will include non-citizen spouses and children of lawful U.S. permanent residents or citizens. The White House estimates that this policy will protect around half a million American families, including approximately 50,000 individuals under the age of 21 who are married to or children of a U.S. citizen.
According to a White House fact sheet provided to Fox News Digital, the eligibility requirements for the new rules include spouses of Americans having resided in the U.S. for 10 years or more, being legally married to a U.S. citizen, and meeting other immigration requirements. Those approved under the program will have the opportunity to apply for permanent U.S. residency after three years and will be eligible for work authorization in the U.S. for up to three years.
In addition to protecting migrant spouses, President Biden’s new rules will also facilitate the visa process for U.S. college graduates, including recipients of DACA, to remain in the U.S. if they have received a degree from a U.S. educational institution and have a job offer from a U.S.-based company.
When asked if the new policies would apply to those who entered the U.S. illegally, a White House spokesperson clarified that the rules would only apply to individuals who are eligible under existing U.S. law to adjust their status. The administration aims to streamline processes to create predictability for those eligible for permanent resident status.
President Biden’s administration will continue to address the border crisis by surging resources and collaborating with international partners to reduce the influx of arrivals into the United States. It was emphasized that migrants who pose a threat to national security or public safety will not be eligible for protection under the new rules, and DHS will either remove them or refer them to other agencies for further vetting.
The White House spokesperson reiterated President Biden’s belief in securing the border, expanding lawful pathways, and keeping families together. Immigrants who have been in the United States for years, paying taxes, and contributing to their communities are seen as part of the social fabric of the country.