A new initiative by the Biden administration is set to launch on Monday, aiming to provide a pathway to citizenship for long-term US residents who entered the country illegally.
This program represents a significant move by the administration to address immigration issues ahead of the November 5th election. Republicans have prominently featured illegal immigration in their campaign rhetoric. The Keeping Families Together program, announced in June, offers an opportunity for an estimated 500,000 spouses who have resided in the United States for at least ten years as of June 17 to apply for legal status. Additionally, around 50,000 children under the age of 21 with a US-citizen parent will be eligible.
This program allows qualifying individuals to apply for permanent residence without leaving the country for extended periods, a requirement that previously could stretch over a decade before they might return legally. Once granted permanent residence, applicants can seek US citizenship after three years. This initiative is being introduced as part of the broader immigration policy framework of the Biden administration which also includes protections for individuals brought to the United States as minors under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
Despite efforts by previous administrations to terminate DACA, the program remains operational due to Supreme Court intervention, though it continues to face legal challenges. The new citizenship program is expected to encounter significant legal opposition, particularly from Republicans who have criticized it as a form of “mass amnesty.” This criticism reflects the broader debate over immigration policy, with proponents advocating for pathways to legal status for undocumented immigrants and opponents calling for stricter enforcement and deportation measures.
To be eligible, applicants must demonstrate that their departure would create significant hardship for their American spouse, such as financial, emotional, and other challenges due to separation. Additionally, applicants must pay a $580 application fee and submit comprehensive documentation proving their duration in the country. Individuals with disqualifying criminal histories or who pose national security or public safety threats are ineligible. Couples eagerly checking their eligibility have welcomed the news with enthusiasm, but there is concern about the potential consequences if former President Donald Trump regains power.
