President Biden's Citizenship Plan for Undocumented Spouses

President Joe Biden has announced a groundbreaking plan to grant citizenship to hundreds of undocumented immigrants who are married to US citizens. This initiative marks a significant departure from the harsh immigration policies of former President Donald Trump, who focused on mass deportations and family separations.

President Biden, 81, has been vocal in his criticism of Trump's approach to immigration, particularly condemning the policies that led to the separation of families at the US-Mexico border. Biden has emphasized the need for a more compassionate and humane immigration system, denouncing Trump's derogatory remarks towards undocumented immigrants.

Despite Biden's efforts to reverse some of Trump's policies, there has been a notable increase in migrant detentions at the US-Mexico border during his administration. Biden has also implemented restrictions on asylum seekers, a move that has drawn comparisons to Trump's approach.

The new initiative proposed by President Biden aims to provide a pathway to legalization for spouses of US citizens who have been living in the country for at least 10 years as of June 17. This program is expected to benefit approximately 500,000 spouses and around 50,000 children under 21 with a US-citizen parent.

While the US already offers a route to citizenship for immigrants married to Americans who entered the country legally, those who entered unlawfully face a more complex process that often involves leaving the US for an extended period. Biden's plan seeks to simplify this process, allowing spouses and their children to apply for permanent residency without the need to leave the country, potentially reducing instances of family separation.

The timeline for obtaining permanent residency through this program may vary, with some individuals completing the process in months while others may take years. Once granted permanent residency, applicants can pursue citizenship, provided they do not have a disqualifying criminal record.

The implementation of this initiative is expected to begin in the coming months, with Mexican nationals projected to be the primary beneficiaries, according to Biden administration officials.

President Biden's plan to offer citizenship to undocumented immigrants married to US citizens represents a significant shift in immigration policy, emphasizing compassion and inclusivity. By providing a streamlined pathway to legalization, this initiative aims to reunite families and create a more welcoming environment for immigrants in the United States.