Biden Proposes Granting Green Cards to Undocumented Immigrants Who Have Lived in the US for at Least 10 Years

The Biden administration is contemplating a potential shift in immigration policy that could grant legal permanent residency, commonly known as green cards, to undocumented immigrants who have resided in the United States for at least a decade.

This proposed initiative aims to address the situation faced by long-term undocumented residents and their families who live under the constant threat of deportation. To qualify for a green card under this plan, undocumented immigrants must demonstrate that they have continuously resided within the United States for a minimum of ten years. Additionally, they would be required to provide evidence that their removal from the country would result in significant hardship and negative consequences for their immediate family members who possess legal residency or citizenship in the United States.

Preserving family unity is a paramount concern for the Biden administration, and this proposed policy change aligns with the broader objectives of their immigration agenda. The administration seeks to prevent the separation of families by considering the potential challenges and difficulties that the deportation of undocumented individuals could impose on their relatives who are lawful residents. If implemented, this green card initiative would offer a pathway to legal status for undocumented immigrants who meet the eligibility criteria, alleviating their fears of expulsion and providing relief to their family members who may face hardships if they were compelled to leave the country.

The proposal remains in the preliminary stages of discussion and development within the Biden administration. Key stakeholders including legislators, advocacy groups, and immigration experts are expected to engage in ongoing deliberations to shape the final details of the plan and address any potential obstacles or concerns that may arise. In a concerted effort to advocate for administrative relief for undocumented immigrants, a group of 17 Senate Democrats, led by US Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, and Border Safety, and U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, have addressed a letter to the Biden Administration.

The senators have put forth suggestions for executive actions that would streamline the pathways to legal status for undocumented individuals and those protected under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, who currently reside in the United States. In their letter, they implore the administration to "utilize all possible means to streamline the pathways to legal status for undocumented immigrants. This will provide reassurance to American businesses, communities, and families who depend on them." The senators further emphasize the potential economic and social consequences of mass deportation, stating, "If all these individuals were to be deported, as threatened by President Donald Trump if he were to be reelected, it would have a devastating impact on the American economy and tear apart American families."

Conversely, they argue that creating streamlined pathways for undocumented immigrants without criminal records and with strong ties to the United States to obtain parole or legal immigration status would bring stability to their families, ensure tax contributions, and require regular check-ins with the U.S. government. Among the specific proposals outlined in the letter are efforts to allow American citizens' spouses to work while their green card applications are being processed, simplifying the process for DACA recipients to switch to a nonimmigrant status, and updating the rules for cancellation of removal to keep family caregivers together – a recommendation supported by a group of Senators last year.

The senators underscore the significant contributions of undocumented immigrants to the US economy, stating that in 2019 alone, they contributed approximately $9.7 billion in federal and state taxes and over $11 billion in social security contributions. Moreover, they highlight the impact on families, with over 1.1 million US citizens married to undocumented immigrants and around 4.9 million US citizen children having at least one undocumented parent.

In addition to Padilla and Durbin, the letter is endorsed by a bipartisan group of Senators, including Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).