United States President Joe Biden has introduced one of the most significant immigration regularisation plans in recent history, offering a pathway to citizenship to a large number of immigrants living without legal status in the country.

The newly announced measures will let undocumented spouses of US citizens apply for permanent residence — and eventually citizenship — without leaving the United States.

The new policy will impact more than 500,000 spouses of US citizens and approximately 50,000 noncitizen children under 21 who have parents married to a US citizen.

In a speech at the White House, Biden described this executive action as a “common-sense fix” to the “cumbersome” current system.

“Currently, undocumented spouses must leave the country to fill out paperwork and obtain long-term legal status, often leaving their families in the US without any guarantee of being allowed back in. This forces them to live in the shadows, fearing deportation and unable to work legally,” he explained.

Biden emphasized that the new measures will address the issue without fundamental changes to the immigration law.

As immigration remains a key and divisive issue leading up to the presidential elections in November, administration officials argued that the changes would not only benefit immigrant families but also boost the US economy.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre highlighted the stability this will bring to many American families, aiding family unity and allowing more young people to contribute to the economy and country.

Immigrant rights advocates welcomed the new pathway to permanent residency while urging the Biden administration to take further action. The White House noted that the eligible individuals have lived in the US for an average of 23 years.

Kica Matos, president of the National Immigration Law Center, expressed support for the relief, stating it would help hundreds of thousands of families stay together and recognize immigrants as integral community members. However, she emphasized the need for Congress to pass a pathway to citizenship.

❗️BIG NEWS: @POTUS plans to provide relief for some immigrants who are married to U.S. citizens.

This much-needed relief will help keep families together & sends a clear message that immigrants are deeply rooted community members who help make America stronger. https://t.co/RbygItH1Lt

— National Immigration Law Center (@NILC) June 18, 2024

Guidelines for the programme

For the spousal programme, applicants must have lived in the US for at least 10 years as of Monday and be married to a US citizen. Approved applicants will have three years to apply for a green card and receive a temporary work permit, protecting them from deportation in the meantime. If they obtain a green card, they can eventually apply for US citizenship.

Officials expect the application process to begin by the end of the summer, though fees are yet to be finalized.

Biden emphasized that these couples have been contributing to America by raising families, paying taxes, and participating in community activities.

However, there was some criticism regarding the requirement for spouses to have lived in the US for at least ten years. Jean-Pierre acknowledged this concern, noting that comprehensive immigration reform requires Congress’s cooperation.

Anniversary of DACA

Tuesday's event coincided with the anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) programme introduced by former President Barack Obama and then-Vice President Biden in 2012. The programme currently provides deportation relief and work permits to 528,000 undocumented individuals brought to the US as children.

The Biden administration also announced easier access to skilled-work visas for DACA recipients.

Biden expressed a desire to keep skilled individuals, educated in US institutions, working in the country to continue building a strong economy.

First, President Biden pitches a bogus executive order to “crack down” on illegal immigration.

But the order still allows millions of illegal aliens to cross the border.

Now, he’s planning amnesty for hundreds of thousands of illegal aliens already here.

Unbelievable.

— Rep. Jim Jordan (@Jim_Jordan) June 18, 2024

A play for votes?

Immigration is set to be a major issue in the upcoming November election, with recent surveys placing it above concerns such as inflation and the economy. Biden faces a tight race against his Republican predecessor, Donald Trump, who took a hardline stance against immigration during his term.

Reporting from the White House, Al Jazeera’s Kimberly Halkett said that the administration hopes the new measure will convert into votes for Biden.

Republicans quickly condemned the announcement, with Congressman Jim Jordan criticizing it as amnesty for illegal immigrants already in the country. Trump’s campaign accused Biden of creating an invitation for illegal immigration to secure votes from those who would support the Democratic Party.

Overlaps in policy

Some progressives worry that Biden's immigration policies may resemble Trump’s too closely. Earlier this month, Biden signed an executive order restricting asylum rights at the US-Mexico border, drawing criticism from human rights advocates.

Biden explained these measures as necessary due to Congressional deadlock. He noted that Republicans walked away from an immigration reform deal earlier this year due to electoral considerations.

He concluded his speech by contrasting his approach with Trump’s, emphasizing the importance of keeping families united and recognizing the US as a nation of immigrants.