As the U.S. presidential elections approach, President Joe Biden unveiled a new program enabling at least 500,000 immigrants married to U.S. citizens to gain citizenship. Speaking at the White House, Biden criticized former President Donald Trump’s harsh immigration policies and emphasized his commitment to resolving immigration issues.
The program will benefit spouses married as of June 17 who have lived in the U.S. for at least 10 years. Additionally, 50,000 individuals under 21, whose parent is married to a U.S. citizen, will be eligible. The initiative, expected to launch in the coming months, is anticipated to primarily assist Mexican citizens.
Biden also plans to expedite the visa process for highly-skilled undocumented immigrants with U.S. degrees or job offers. However, individuals with a criminal history or deemed a public safety threat will be excluded from the program.