Biden seeks to relax visa rules in wake of crackdown on illegal border crossers

AFP | Washington 

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

President Joe Biden announced Tuesday a new potential citizenship path for immigrants married to US nationals, balancing a recent crackdown on illegal border crossers in an attempt to thread a tricky pre-election political needle.

The Biden administration has been struggling to address immigration, a divisive issue for many Americans ahead of November’s presidential election.

The Democrat is seeking to be tougher on illegal migrants while contrasting himself with Donald Trump, whose attempt to win back the White House is heavily centered on portraying the country as being under assault by what he calls a migrant “invasion.”

Biden’s action was immediately condemned by Republicans, but hailed by immigration reform activists.

The new rules will streamline the process for those who already qualify for permanent residence, by removing a requirement they leave the country as part of the application process.

The new rules would apply to those present in the country for at least 10 years and married to a US citizen before June 17, 2024 -- which the administration estimates to include half a million people.

In addition, some 50,000 stepchildren of US citizens would be eligible. Those approved would be granted work authorization and the right to stay in the United States for up to three years while they apply for the coveted green card.

That would then allow them to apply later for full citizenship. “What we are announcing are potentially streamlined processes... (to) minimize the bureaucracy, minimize the hardship that having to leave the country creates,” a senior administration official told reporters ahead of the announcement.

However, “only Congress can deliver... comprehensive reform of our immigration and asylum laws,” another official added.