After restricting the possibility for migrants who cross the Rio Grande to apply for asylum on June 4, Joe Biden announced on Tuesday, June 18, a measure paving the way to citizenship for migrants who entered illegally and are married to US citizens. At the same time, the president decided to facilitate the process for granting "Dreamers," those immigrants who entered the US illegally as minors and who have then spent their entire lives in the country, work visas. Once they have completed their studies, these non-deportable young people will be entitled to a visa if they are offered a job in their field of expertise.
These measures, announced from the White House, were meant to offset the impression that Biden had yielded too much to the right on June 4. Jill Biden, the US president's wife, extolled the contribution of migrants and refugees to American society in an address from the White House. "They show up. They don't complain. And they only ask for one thing in return: The chance to work hard and build a good life for themselves and their families. That’s the promise of America," she said.
More specifically, undocumented spouses will now be able to apply for a Green Card, a permanent residence permit, which, after three years, will entitle them, just like any other foreign national spouse of an American, to apply for citizenship. This measure would apply to immigrants who entered the US illegally and have been in the country for over 10 years, provided they have no criminal record, have paid their taxes, and were married by June 17 at the latest. This would affect some 500,000 people, as well as 50,000 children of undocumented foreigners married to American citizens.
Until now, these married yet undocumented immigrants could legally apply for a Green Card, but had to leave the country to apply from their country of origin. This process could take months or even years, especially as federal law imposes waiting periods of up to 10 years for those who entered the country illegally, and prohibits applications from those with a criminal record. As a result, many people have given up on trying this procedure.
According to the White House, those eligible have been in the US for 23 years on average. This is the paradox of residents without permits, who can lead their lives almost normally, especially in the big Democratic cities, as long as they do not run afoul of the law or the federal police. However, they are unable to re-enter the US if they leave the country.
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