President Joe Biden is making moves to secure Latino votes in key battleground states for his reelection campaign by considering providing legal status for long-term undocumented immigrants who are married to American citizens. While final details have not been decided, officials are reviewing the “parole in place” authority to shield select undocumented immigrants from deportation. The estimated number of people who could benefit from this move is around 750,000 to 800,000, predominantly Latinos, with a potential impact on millions of votes in states like Arizona, Nevada, and Georgia.
The administration is looking to refocus the narrative on immigration and border issues by showcasing a commitment to helping undocumented immigrants while also emphasizing economic growth and family unity. By providing legal status for long-term undocumented immigrants, Biden aims to highlight a different approach to immigration compared to the policies of former President Donald Trump. While Trump has also been targeting Latino voters, Biden’s executive action could appeal to Latino voters who have been drifting from his support, according to polling data.
The potential legalization for long-term undocumented immigrants is seen as one of the biggest relief programs since the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program initiated under the Obama administration. By announcing this move, Biden hopes to regain support among Latinos and immigration advocacy groups who have expressed concerns over his recent executive actions on border crossings. Strategists working with the Biden campaign believe that the combination of border security measures and legalization for undocumented immigrants will resonate with a wide range of voters, including Democrats, Republicans, and independents.
The pressure for the Biden administration to take action on immigration has been mounting from Democratic lawmakers and immigrant advocacy groups for months. Calls for protections to be extended to long-term undocumented immigrants, including spouses of American citizens, have been growing, prompting Biden to consider additional policy moves to address the broken immigration system. These potential moves are seen as crucial not only in addressing immigration issues but also in securing support among Latino voters ahead of the November election.
New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and Democratic Rep. Tom Suozzi have expressed support for the upcoming immigration moves, emphasizing the importance of creating pathways to citizenship for immigrants who have been living in the US for many years. Lujan Grisham believes that the new policies will demonstrate Biden’s commitment to public safety and understanding of voters’ struggles. The administration continues to explore policy options to address the broken immigration system and remains committed to taking action to support undocumented immigrants and their families.
As Biden prepares to make announcements regarding the legalization of long-term undocumented immigrants, pressure mounts from various stakeholders to take bold and responsible action. Advocates stress the political benefits of these moves, comparing them to the success of the DACA program initiated by President Obama. By addressing the concerns of long-term undocumented immigrants and their families, Biden aims to not only secure Latino support but also demonstrate his commitment to creating a fair and just immigration system for all.
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