Title: Biden Administration Considers Policy to Help Undocumented Spouses Stay in U.S.
The Biden administration is considering a new policy that could provide a path to permanent residency for undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens, without requiring them to leave the country. This potential change comes as a relief to many families who have been facing the harsh reality of separation due to current immigration laws.
One such family is that of Ashley and Sergio de Azevedo. When Ashley, a U.S. citizen, married Sergio, an immigrant from Brazil, in 2012, she never imagined that he would have to leave the country for 10 years to obtain permanent residency due to entering the U.S. illegally. The thought of being separated from her husband and their young son was devastating.
Now, with the possibility of a policy change on the horizon, families like the de Azevedos may have hope for a brighter future. The proposed policy would grant undocumented spouses “parole in place,” allowing them to stay in the U.S., work legally, and have a pathway to permanent residency.
This potential change has garnered support from some quarters, including key Democratic constituencies and business groups facing labor shortages. However, critics argue that it would be an abuse of executive authority and could face legal challenges.
For families like the de Azevedos, this policy change could mean the end of years of uncertainty, fear, and separation. Ashley, who is now the president of American Families United, has been advocating for this change and hopes to see it become a reality.
As the Biden administration weighs its options, families like the de Azevedos are holding their breath, hoping for a positive outcome that will allow them to stay together and build a future in the country they call home.
