US: Biden launches pathway to citizenship for long-term immigrants ahed of presidential elections 2024

New Delhi: Miguel Aleman, a 39-year-old immigrant brought to the United States from Mexico at age four, is one of many seeking legal status through the new "Keeping Families Together" program, launching Monday. This initiative, one of President Joe Biden’s major immigration efforts, aims to provide a path to citizenship for long-term residents who entered the country illegally, just months before the crucial November 5 election where immigration remains a key focus.

Aleman, a father of two with a U.S.-citizen wife and an Uber driver by trade, would otherwise face relocation to Mexico, potentially for a decade or more, before gaining legal reentry to the United States. “My whole family is here,” Aleman expressed, joining other immigrants from Mexico, El Salvador, and the Philippines at an information session organized by the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles.

US appeals on the situation 

Announced in June, the program offers legal status to around 500,000 spouses who have resided in the U.S. for at least 10 years as of June 17. Additionally, 50,000 children under age 21 with a U.S.-citizen parent can also apply. Under this program, eligible spouses can apply for permanent residency, bypassing the need to leave the country. Once approved, they can seek citizenship within three years.

Vice President Kamala Harris, now leading the Democratic presidential ticket, has advocated for “an earned pathway to citizenship” at recent campaign events. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump’s campaign dismissed the initiative as “mass amnesty” and reiterated his stance on deporting undocumented immigrants. The program is expected to face legal challenges from Republican-led states, similar to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which Aleman is currently enrolled in but hopes to transition from to secure permanent status.