The Biden administration is reportedly set to announce a significant immigration policy change that would grant legal status to hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants who have been in the United States for at least ten years. According to CBS News, the plan, named “Parole in Place,” is expected to be revealed on Tuesday.
The policy will offer green cards and protection from deportation to immigrants who have been in the country for a decade and are married to U.S. citizens. Current laws already allow these individuals to apply for a green card, but they must leave the country first. The new program eliminates this requirement, making them immediately eligible to apply without leaving the U.S.
In addition, the administration plans to streamline the process for DREAMers, including making it easier to apply for H-1B visas. The program could affect up to 1.1 million illegal immigrants, according to administration estimates.
President Biden’s handling of immigration has been a contentious issue, with rising frustration among the American public over the surge of immigrants at the border. This frustration has been amplified by the actions of border state governors, particularly Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who has implemented a busing program to move immigrants to sanctuary cities.
Biden also faces pressure from within his party. Some left-leaning members criticize him for not being supportive enough of certain international issues, while others feel his recent executive orders to control the influx of asylum seekers are insufficient.
The administration’s new immigration measures come as Biden seeks to address both public dissatisfaction and internal party challenges ahead of the 2024 election.
