White House considers immigration aid for spouses of US citizens

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 Monday, a move that could energize some Democrats ahead of the elections in November.

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

Immigration has emerged as one of voters’ top concerns, especially among Republicans ahead of the Nov. 5 election, pitting Biden, a Democrat, 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 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.

A White House spokesperson said the administration is “continually evaluating potential policy options” but declined to confirm discussions about specific actions.

“The government remains committed to ensuring that those eligible for assistance can receive it quickly and to building an immigration system that is fairer and more humane,” the spokesperson said.

The Wall Street Journal first reported on the possible steps.

An estimated 1.1 million immigrants in the U.S. are illegally married to U.S. 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.

Allyson Batista, a Philadelphia resident and U.S. citizen, said at a news conference in Washington on Monday that her Brazilian-born husband still does not have legal immigration status after 20 years of marriage.

Batista and her husband have three children together and run a construction company, she said, imploring Biden to act.

“Year after year, we continue to live in trauma and fear of separation,” she said, “especially when an unfriendly government takes over again.”