The White House is considering ways to grant temporary legal status and work permits to illegal immigrants in the United States who are married to American citizens, three sources familiar with the matter said Monday, a move that could energize some Democrats to the approach of the November elections.
Democratic lawmakers and advocacy groups have been pressuring President Joe Biden to take steps to protect illegal immigrants in the country, as Biden simultaneously considers executive actions to reduce illegal border crossings.
Immigration has become a top concern among voters, particularly among Republicans in the run-up to the Nov. 5 election pitting Biden, a Democrat, against his Republican predecessor, Donald Trump. Trump said Biden’s less restrictive policies led to an increase in illegal immigration.
In recent months, the White House has considered the possibility of executive action to block migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border if crossings reach a certain threshold, drawing criticism from some Democrats and advocates.
The Biden administration also examined the possibility of using “in-place parole” for spouses of U.S. citizens, the sources said, requesting anonymity to discuss internal deliberations.
Temporary status would provide access to work permits and potentially a path to citizenship. No action is imminent or finalized, the sources said.
A White House spokesperson said the administration was “constantly evaluating possible policy options” but declined to confirm discussions on specific actions.
“The administration remains committed to ensuring that those who are eligible for assistance can receive it quickly and to building a fairer and more humane immigration system,” the spokesperson said.
The Wall Street Journal first reported possible moves.
According to data from the advocacy organization FWD.us, approximately 1.1 million illegal immigrants in the United States are married to American citizens.
Last year, a group of 86 Democrats sent a letter to Biden and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, urging them to protect the spouses of U.S. citizens and create a family reunification process for those in outside the country.
Speaking at a news conference in Washington on Monday, Allyson Batista, a Philadelphia resident and U.S. citizen, said her Brazilian-born husband still does not have legal immigration status after 20 years of marriage .
Batista and her husband have three children together and run a construction company, she said, imploring Biden to act.
“Year after year, we continue to live in trauma and fear of separation,” she said, “especially if a hostile administration returns to power.”
