Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) released the following statement after President Biden announced a new process for undocumented immigrants who are married to United States citizens to apply for lawful permanent resident status. To be eligible, noncitizens must – as of June 17, 2024 – have resided in the United States for 10 or more years and be legally married to a U.S. citizen. On average, those who are eligible for this process have resided in this country for 23 years.

President Biden’s announcement will also allow DACA recipients, who have earned a degree from an accredited U.S. institution of higher education and received an employment offer, to receive work visas more quickly.

“I’m grateful that the Biden administration has taken decisive action to keep families together, provide more stability to Dreamers, and strengthen our economy,” said Congresswoman Ross. “It is unconscionable that we would separate husbands and wives or deprive children of the love and support of a parent because of the deep flaws in our immigration laws.

“While today’s announcement gets us one step closer to a humane immigration system that supports our workforce needs and reflects our values, I am sorry to see that it does not include relief for Documented Dreamers. These individuals, who grow up in the United States, graduate from American schools, and seek jobs with American companies, still too often must self-deport when they age out of their dependent visas due to long wait times for green cards. I urge President Biden to supplement this important relief for Dreamers and undocumented spouses by issuing similar provisions to allow Documented Dreamers to stay and work in the United States.”

Congresswoman Ross is a member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement.