Biden plans to announce new policy shielding undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens from deportation
US President Joe Biden speaks about gun safety at the Washington Hilton in Washington, DC, on June 11, 2024. Saul Loeb | Afp | Getty Images
On Tuesday, the Biden administration plans to announce an executive action protecting undocumented spouses of American citizens that would shield about 500,000 immigrants from deportation, according to four sources familiar with the matter.
"This is the biggest thing since DACA," said one of the sources, an immigration advocate, adding that it was a smart political move by the Biden administration.
The four sources, which include advocates and Capitol Hill staffers, said that lawmakers have been briefed and at least some have been invited to the White House for the announcement.
NBC News reported last week that an executive action protecting the spouses was likely to be announced soon.
More from NBC News:
Biden admin has discussed potentially negotiating unilateral deal with Hamas to free U.S. hostages
Putin pledges truce if Ukraine exits Russian-occupied areas and drops NATO bid, nonstarters for Kyiv
Biden warns Trump could select two more Supreme Court justices if re-elected
The program, known as "parole in place," would also make it easier for some undocumented immigrants to get a green card and a path to U.S. citizenship.
The sources also say that the undocumented spouses would be allowed to obtain work permits on a case-by-case basis.
Three of the sources said that President Joe Biden will also announce a new action regarding DACA recipients who earned degrees in higher education and are seeking a job in that same field.
The planned actions come after immigration advocates and Democratic lawmakers urged the administration to prioritize long-term undocumented immigrants and as Biden tries to court Latino voters in crucial battleground states such as Nevada and Arizona.
The moves are expected to be challenged in court.