Former President Obama recently commemorated the 12th anniversary of his executive action on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, known as DACA, and urged Congress to turn the program into law before it expires. The DACA program was put into effect by the Obama administration in 2012 to shield individuals who came to the U.S. illegally as children from deportation and provide them with a path to citizenship. These beneficiaries, known as Dreamers, were eligible to apply for deferred action status for a period of two years, which could be renewed.
In a statement, Obama emphasized that many of the original Dreamers are now adults contributing to society as teachers, doctors, lawyers, and parents. However, due to the temporary nature of the program, they continue to live in fear of being sent back to a country they hardly remember. While acknowledging the current administration’s efforts to facilitate Dreamers’ access to federal services like healthcare, Obama stressed the need for a permanent legislative solution that grants them a route to citizenship and enhances the fairness and efficiency of the immigration system.
President Biden is set to host an event at the White House to celebrate the legacy of the DACA initiative. Meanwhile, his administration is considering extending new benefits to other undocumented immigrants with longstanding ties in the U.S. Sources familiar with the plan revealed that the White House is exploring executive actions to protect the spouses of U.S. citizens without legal status, offering them work permits, shielding them from deportation, and paving the way for permanent residency and eventual citizenship.
The proposed strategy involves utilizing a mechanism called “parole-in-place,” which not only provides deportation relief and work authorization to eligible immigrants but also eliminates barriers preventing them from obtaining a green card and, ultimately, U.S. citizenship. This approach has been previously utilized to assist other groups, such as members of the U.S. military and their family members who lack legal status.
While the exact timeline for implementing these measures remains uncertain, the potential expansion of protections to spouses of American citizens underscores the administration’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by undocumented individuals in the country. By leveraging executive powers, the Biden administration aims to create a more inclusive and equitable immigration system that reflects the values of justice and compassion.
As discussions unfold regarding the future of DACA and broader immigration policy, advocates continue to push for comprehensive reforms that prioritize the well-being and rights of immigrants. The ongoing efforts to secure permanent solutions for Dreamers and other vulnerable populations highlight the importance of upholding humanitarian values and promoting unity in diverse communities across the nation.