White House Considers Immigration Relief for Spouses of US Citizens | 104.1 WIKY

By Ted Hesson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The White House is considering ways to grant temporary legal status and work permits to immigrants in the U.S. who are illegally married to U.S. citizens, three sources familiar with the matter said on Monday, a move that could energize some Democrats can give. of the November elections.

Democratic lawmakers and advocacy groups have pressured Democratic President Joe Biden to take steps to protect immigrants in the country illegally, while Biden simultaneously considers executive actions to reduce illegal border crossings.

Immigration has emerged as one of voters’ top concerns, especially among Republicans ahead of the Nov. 5 election, pitting Biden against his Republican predecessor, Donald Trump. Trump has said Biden’s less restrictive policies have led to an increase in illegal immigration.

The White House in recent months has considered the possibility of executive action to block migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border if illegal border crossings reach a certain threshold, prompting criticism from some Democrats and advocates.

The Biden administration has also explored the possible use of “parole” for spouses of U.S. citizens, the sources said, requesting anonymity to discuss internal deliberations.

The temporary status would provide access to work permits and possibly a path to citizenship. No actions are imminent or completed, the sources said.

The Wall Street Journal first reported on the possible steps. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

An estimated 1.1 million immigrants in the US are illegally married to US citizens, according to data from advocacy group FWD.us.

A group of 86 Democrats sent a letter to Biden and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas last year, urging them to protect the spouses of U.S. citizens and create a family reunification process for those outside the country.

(Reporting by Ted Hesson in Washington; Editing by Richard Chang)