The U.S. launches a program for undocumented spouses of citizens: how to avoid deportation
The Biden administration has allowed undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens to remain in the country, gaining the right to permanent residency and employment without leaving the U.S.
Photo: René DeAnda, Unsplash
On August 19, the Biden administration launched a program that will allow undocumented spouses and adopted children of U.S. citizens to avoid deportation and legalize their stay. This was reported by Voice of America.
The new initiative, known as "parole in place," allows undocumented immigrants to apply for permanent residency without leaving U.S. soil.
The program was officially announced on June 17. It provides that individuals who are in the U.S. illegally but are married to a U.S. citizen as of June 17, 2024, may be eligible for temporary residency and work authorization.
To qualify for the program, applicants must have resided in the country for at least 10 years, have no criminal record, and not pose a threat to public or national security.
The application fees are $580 for the "parole," $470 for work authorization, and $1,440 for permanent residency.
Additionally, U.S. citizens’ spouses must pay $625 to file an application for adopted children.
If the application is approved, immigrants will have three years to formalize their status as permanent residents.
According to estimates from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, about 500,000 spouses of U.S. citizens and 50,000 adopted children could benefit from the program.
The program has already faced criticism from Republicans, who argue that it contradicts federal laws and exacerbates the border crisis. Despite this, Biden administration officials remain confident in the initiative's legality.
This presidential initiative will become the most extensive program supporting undocumented immigrants in the U.S. since Barack Obama's implementation of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy (DACA).