Registration has opened for an estimated 500,000 spouses of U.S. citizens to gain legal status without having to first leave the country. This move, initiated by President Joe Biden, offers a path to citizenship without the requirement of leaving the U.S. for up to 10 years. Eligible spouses must have lived in the U.S. continuously for 10 years as of June 17, 2024, and have been married by then. The Biden administration estimates that 500,000 spouses and 50,000 stepchildren of U.S. citizens could benefit from this policy.
Spouses who do not meet the prescribed criteria face a difficult decision of either leaving the country voluntarily for years to gain reentry rights or staying in the U.S. without legal status. One such couple, Karen and Xavier Chavarria, have been separated due to Karen’s voluntary return to Nicaragua in 2017. Xavier, who resides in New Jersey, cannot live in Nicaragua due to lack of job prospects, medical treatment for diabetes, and concerns for his safety. The couple has two children, one who lives in Nicaragua with Karen and another who is in the U.S.
The Biden administration’s offer to spouses who chose to remain in the U.S. has been met with mixed emotions. While it brings hope for many families, it also highlights the struggles and sacrifices made by those who chose to leave voluntarily. Immigration attorney Eric Lee emphasizes that punishment seems unjust for those who have tried to comply with the law. Advocacy groups have been pushing for the inclusion of these spouses in the new policy, which aims to address the fears and uncertainties faced by families living without legal status in the U.S.
Despite concerns from groups favoring restrictions on immigration, the Biden administration remains steadfast in its efforts to enroll eligible spouses in the program. The Department of Homeland Security has outlined that individuals deemed national security threats or convicted of serious crimes will be disqualified from benefits. The majority of potential beneficiaries are from Mexico, with others hailing from countries like Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. They will be allowed to stay in the U.S. for three years under presidential authority known as parole, for a fee of $580, which includes the ability to seek work authorization and eventual citizenship.
Families like that of Juan Enrique Sauceda, who was deported in 2019 while married to a U.S. citizen, are hopeful for reentry into the U.S. Juan, who currently resides in Mexico with his wife and children in Houston, expresses a desire to return to the U.S. where he grew up and where his family resides. As the registration process unfolds, individuals like Juan are looking towards a future where they can reunite with their loved ones and work towards building a better life in the United States.
Overall, the registration opening for spouses of U.S. citizens to gain legal status without leaving the country marks a significant milestone in immigration policy. The Biden administration’s move to provide a path to citizenship for eligible spouses aims to alleviate the fears and uncertainties faced by families living in the U.S. without legal status. While challenges and concerns remain, individuals like Karen and Xavier Chavarria are hopeful for a future where they can reunite with their families and build a secure and stable life in the United States.
