President Biden’s Immigration Executive Orders, What to Know
by lara nations nations law group
Although this action could protect approximately 500,000 spouses of U.S. citizens, and approximately 50,000 children, it is too early to apply now. The government is not yet accepting applications.
On June 18, 2024, President Biden announced two executive actions that would provide opportunities for immigration relief and benefits to some immigrant groups in the United States. However, it is very important to note that the government is not yet accepting applications for either of the announced programs. The first of the executive actions would give certain spouses and children of U.S. citizens the ability to obtain work permits and permanent resident status (green card) using a mechanism called Parole in Place. Under this program, some undocumented people who meet the following criteria would be able to apply for a parole, a document that would allow them to obtain a work permit, and also apply for permanent residence in the United States without having to leave the country in order to complete the residence process:
1.Have lived in the United States for at least ten years 2.Are the spouse or child of a U.S. citizen as of June 17, 2024, or prior.
The Biden Administration estimates that this action could protect approximately 500,000 spouses ofU.S. citizens, and approximately 50,000 children.
President Biden’s other June 18 executive action on immigration would give DACA recipients and other Dreamers a pathway to apply for a work visa. DACA recipients and other Dreamers who meet the following basic requirements could be able to receive work visas under a simplified process if:
1. Have earned a degree at an accredited U.S. institution of higher learning in the United States. 2. Have received a job offer from a U.S. employer in a field related to their degree.
These executive actions would undoubtedly provide new opportunities to many immigrants in the United States. However, the Biden Administration has released few details about the programs as of yet. It is almost certain that someone will sue to block the programs, which could delay implementation of the programs or even prevent them from ever going into effect. Depending on who wins the presidential election this November, unfortunately these programs might not ever become a reality.
The Biden Administration is expected to publish a final rule by the end of the summer, which is the next step that needs to occur before the government may start accepting applications under the new programs. It is too early to apply now. The government is not yet accepting applications. You should not pay anyone to prepare an application for you under this new program because the government has not yet announced which form(s) will be required, what the government fees will be, or which personal documents will be required. Do not fall victim to scams! Anyone interested in the program can check for official government updates at https://www.uscis.gov/keepingfamiliestogether.
