On Tuesday, the Biden administration plans to announce an executive action to protect undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens, which would shield about 500,000 immigrants from deportation, according to four sources familiar with the matter.
“This is the biggest since DACA,” said one of the sources, an immigration supporter, adding that it was a smart political move by the Biden administration.
The four sources, including lawyers and Capitol Hill staffers, said lawmakers have been briefed and at least some have been invited to the White House for the announcement.
NBC News reported last week that an executive action to protect the spouses would likely be announced soon.
The program, known as “parole in place,” would also make it easier for some undocumented immigrants to get a green card and a path to U.S. citizenship. The sources also say the undocumented spouses could get work permits for a business. -on a case-by-case basis. Two of the sources said the undocumented spouses must have lived in the U.S. and been married for at least 10 years before they would be eligible for the work permit.
Three of the sources said President Joe Biden will also announce a new move regarding DACA recipients who have earned a degree in higher education and are seeking a job in that same field.
The planned actions come as immigration advocates and Democratic lawmakers urged the administration to prioritize undocumented immigrants over the long term and as Biden seeks to court Latino voters in crucial battleground states such as Nevada and Arizona. It is expected that these steps will be challenged in court.
This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
