Ahead of the November election, Biden is considering giving legal status to immigrant spouses of U.S. citizens – Firstpost

In a move that could boost some Democrats ahead of the November election, the Joe Biden administration is considering granting temporary legal status and work permits to undocumented immigrants in the US who are married to US citizens, according to a report Reuters report, citing three sources familiar with the matter.

The Biden administration’s possible moves were first reported by the administration The Wall Street Journal.

Democratic lawmakers and advocacy groups have urged President Biden to protect immigrants within the country even as he considers executive actions to reduce illegal border crossings.

Immigration has become a crucial issue for voters, especially Republicans, ahead of the Nov. 5 election that will pit Biden, a Democrat, against his Republican predecessor, Donald Trump.

Trump has attributed the increase in illegal immigration to Biden’s more lenient policies. In recent months, the White House has explored the possibility of executive action to block migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border if crossings exceed a certain threshold, drawing resistance 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.” Reuters the spokesperson quoted.

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 last year, opens a new tab to Biden and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, urging them to protect the spouses of U.S. citizens and create a family reunification process for people 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.”

With input from authorities

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