Advocates Applaud Biden’s Common Sense Actions to Support Long-Standing Undocumented Communities

New York, NY—Today, President Biden announced new actions that would support the ability of undocumented Americans to work and remain in the country with their families without fear of deportation while they pursue a pathway to legal status. Building off existing authorities, a process for “Parole in Place” will apply to undocumented spouses of United States citizens who have resided in the U.S. for at least ten years and meet other eligibility. This new process could benefit up to 500,000 people and 50,000 of their children under the age of 21. Additionally, the updated policy for the INA 212(d)(3) waiver will help remove barriers to employment authorization for DACA recipients and Dreamers who hold a degree from a U.S. university and have a job offer from a U.S. employer related to their degree.

Murad Awawdeh, President and CEO, New York Immigration Coalition:

“We commend President Biden and Vice President Harris for taking welcome action to address the needs of immigrant communities and keep families together. Common sense use of existing law to provide solutions is the sort of positive leadership we need to reform our immigration system. Increasing access to work authorization and legal status is a smart investment in creating a stronger America and a robust workforce. It’s also the right thing to do to keep families united and equip people to support themselves and thrive with dignity. A balanced approach to fixing our immigration system ensures a fair, humane, and orderly system for managing the border and access to safe and lawful pathways for immigration – as well as citizenship for DACA recipients, Dreamers, and long-settled immigrant families who have long called America home. Today’s actions are a step in the right direction to building a future that unites us all. We call on the Biden Administration to build on this historic announcement in the coming weeks.”