PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release  
Contact: Dan Gordon, 617-651-0841  
June 18, 2024

Actions to Protect Citizens' Spouses and Dreamers Would Keep Families Together  

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the Biden administration announced a measure that would offer legal protections to undocumented immigrants who are married to U.S. citizens and who have lived in the U.S. long-term.

The legal protections are likely to be offered through parole in place, which allows individuals to live and work legally in the U.S. without fear of deportation. The administration also announced steps to make it easier for some Dreamers, young undocumented people who came to the U.S. as children, to be sponsored for temporary work visas.

"We are pleased to see the Biden administration consider action to keep families together and provide additional opportunities for Dreamers. We continue to urge Congress to pass permanent solutions, which is the only way to guarantee enduring relief for these populations," said Jennie Murray, President and CEO of the National Immigration Forum. 

"Our current immigration system allows undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens to obtain green cards, but the legalization process requires many to leave the U.S. — with the possibility of not being allowed back in for 10 years or longer. Providing temporary protections and work authorization to spouses of U.S. citizens would be a positive step to keep these families together. Expanding work opportunities for Dreamers would be another step forward.

"As is true when addressing our border challenges, executive actions represent only a temporary fix and could be subject to court challenges. Republicans and Democrats in Congress must provide lasting immigration solutions."

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