June 27, 2024
Biden announcement for relief programs for noncitizen spouses
On June 18, 2024, the Biden administration announced that the Department of Homeland Security will be implementing immigration relief programs for noncitizen spouses and children of U.S. citizens. This new program will allow noncitizens who have been residing in the U.S. for at least 10 years as of June 17, 2024, and who are married to a U.S. citizen, to apply for lawful permanent residence without leaving the country, a current prerequisite to obtaining a green card. This new program is expected to provide relief for approximately half a million spouses of U.S. citizens and approximately 50,000 noncitizen children under the age of 21 whose parent is married to a U.S. citizen.
In addition to protecting noncitizen spouses and children, the Biden Administration is taking action to facilitate the employment visa process for DACA recipients and other Dreamers who have graduated from college and have a high-skilled job offer, by allowing these recipients to more quickly receive work visas at U.S. consulates abroad.
These relief programs will promote family unity, while providing much-needed immigration relief. Please note that instructions to apply for these benefits have not yet been released. We will provide further updates as they are available.