HOUSTON (AP) — Many immigrants celebrated when President Joe Biden announced a plan to provide legal status to spouses of U.S. citizens, but some were left out.
Claudia Zúniga, 35, got married in 2017, ten years after her husband arrived in the United States. He had to live in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, for years to obtain legal status. Zúniga said, “Our lives changed dramatically.”
Biden announced on Tuesday that spouses of U.S. citizens without legal status will be able to apply for permanent residency and citizenship without leaving the country for up to 10 years. This could benefit about 500,000 immigrants.
To qualify, immigrants must have lived in the U.S. for 10 years and be married to a U.S. citizen. Zúniga’s husband is not eligible because he was not in the U.S.
“It would be a dream come true,” said Zúniga. “My husband could be with us and we could focus on our children’s well-being.”
Every immigration benefit, including Biden’s offer, has cutoff dates and eligibility requirements. For example, a recent temporary status extension for Venezuelans only applied to those in the U.S. by July 31, 2023.
Biden’s announcement was praised by immigration advocates, but criticized by some as a misguided giveaway.
Many immigrants are hopeful for the future following Biden’s announcement, which could have a significant impact on their lives.
About 50,000 noncitizen children with parents married to U.S. citizens could also potentially qualify for benefits, according to senior administration officials.
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Gonzalez reported from McAllen, Texas. Associated Press writers contributed to this report.
