President Joe Biden recently signed an executive order that will protect undocumented spouses of American citizens from deportation as they work towards legal residency. This move has been hailed as a significant step in expanding rights for undocumented individuals since the DACA policy was introduced.
The order is expected to provide relief to mixed-status families, which are common in Nevada. By allowing undocumented spouses who meet certain criteria to apply for lawful permanent residency without the need to leave the country, the executive order aims to keep families together and provide them with the opportunity to live and work in the U.S. without the fear of deportation.
Under the new policy, undocumented immigrants who have been in the U.S. for more than 10 years, have no prior deportation history, and have a spouse or parent who is an American citizen may be eligible to apply for “parole in place.” This status will allow them to remain in the U.S. without the threat of deportation and apply for work permits while they pursue lawful permanent residency.
Immigration advocates, including the director of the UNLV Immigration Clinic, Michael Kagan, have praised the executive order for its potential to positively impact the lives of thousands of Nevadans. The ability to obtain legal residency through this process could be life-changing for many families who have been living in the U.S. for years.
While the order has received support from Nevada’s Democratic members of Congress and immigrant rights organizations, it is likely to face legal challenges and criticism from opponents. However, the Biden administration remains committed to its goal of providing relief for mixed-status families and addressing the complex issues surrounding immigration policy in the U.S.
Overall, the executive order represents a significant step towards achieving comprehensive immigration reform and ensuring that families can remain together while pursuing legal residency and the opportunity to contribute to their communities and the economy.
