The White House is considering granting temporary legal status and work permits to immigrants in the U.S. illegally who are married to American citizens, sources familiar with the matter revealed on Monday. This move could potentially energize Democrats ahead of the upcoming November elections.
Pressure from Democratic lawmakers and advocacy groups has pushed President Joe Biden to take action to protect immigrants in the country illegally, while also addressing the issue of illegal border crossings. Immigration has become a key concern for voters, particularly Republicans, as the election approaches, with former President Donald Trump criticizing Biden’s policies for allegedly leading to an increase in illegal immigration.
The White House has been exploring the option of executive actions to block migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border if illegal crossings surpass a certain threshold, a move that has drawn criticism from some Democrats and advocates. Additionally, the administration is considering the use of “parole in place” for spouses of U.S. citizens, which could provide access to work permits and potentially a path to citizenship.
While no concrete actions have been finalized, the potential changes have sparked interest and discussion. According to data from advocacy organization FWD.us, an estimated 1.1 million immigrants in the U.S. illegally are married to U.S. citizens. A group of 86 Democrats previously urged Biden and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to protect spouses of U.S. citizens and establish a family reunification process for those outside the country.
The Wall Street Journal first reported on the possible moves, and the White House has yet to comment on the matter. Stay tuned for further developments on this evolving issue.