President Joe Biden is set to unveil a significant executive action that would provide deportation protections and work authorization for select undocumented spouses of US citizens. This move, scheduled for Tuesday, aims to offer relief to individuals who have been residing in the United States for at least 10 years.
The policy will leverage an existing legal mechanism called 'parole in place' to shield eligible individuals from deportation and enable them to work legally in the country while pursuing citizenship. This initiative, long advocated for by immigration activists and Democrats, is reminiscent of the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
The DACA program, established in 2012, granted undocumented immigrants who arrived in the US as children the opportunity to live and work in the country. President Biden is expected to commemorate the anniversary of DACA during an event on Tuesday, where he will also outline additional measures.
Furthermore, the upcoming executive action includes provisions for DACA recipients to access work visas based on specific criteria. The potential impact of these actions is substantial, potentially affecting hundreds of thousands of individuals and their families, particularly within the Latino community.
President Biden's decision to prioritize immigration reform aligns with his commitment to creating a fairer and more just immigration system. The administration's strategy, informed by polling data and feedback from key stakeholders, reflects a concerted effort to address pressing issues in the immigration landscape.
For Democrats in crucial battleground states like Arizona, these developments are viewed as positive steps that could resonate with voters. Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona expressed optimism about the potential impact of these measures, highlighting their significance in shaping public opinion and electoral outcomes.
