Washington, D.C. – President Joe Biden’s recent announcement to grant a pathway to citizenship for certain undocumented immigrants married to U.S. citizens has sparked optimism among affected families and stirred political debates as the U.S. heads towards another election year.
Bridget Cambria, an immigration attorney based in Pennsylvania, swiftly recognized the potential impact of Biden’s plan on her clients. Many of them, she explained, faced daunting challenges in securing legal permanent residency, often requiring them to leave the country and endure prolonged separation from their families.
“When I delivered the news, there were tears of joy and disbelief,” Cambria shared.
The proposal, unveiled on Tuesday, aims to allow hundreds of thousands of spouses of U.S. citizens to legalize their immigration status without needing to leave the United States. This move represents a significant development for affected families, yet it also carries significant political implications in the context of the upcoming elections.
President Biden, seeking reelection as a Democrat this November, has grappled with heightened scrutiny over illegal immigration at the U.S.-Mexico border. His Republican opponent, Donald Trump, known for his stringent immigration policies, continues to emphasize concerns over crime rates among immigrants, despite contradicting statistics.
Navigating a delicate political balance, Biden has recently emphasized tougher border enforcement while striving to maintain support from liberal voters and Latino communities. His immigration policies starkly contrast with Trump’s tenure, characterized by a more stringent approach.
According to a Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted in mid-May, registered voters exhibit a preference for Trump over Biden by a notable margin of 17 percentage points on immigration policy.
Among those directly impacted by Biden’s proposal are couples like Carmen Miranda, 56, and Francisco Cortez, 52, of Reading, Pennsylvania. Miranda, who relies on Cortez’s support due to her health conditions, expressed relief upon hearing the news.
“We waited for so long,” Miranda said emotionally. “I can’t imagine if he had to leave.”
Similarly, Genaro Vicencio, 24, who arrived from Mexico as a child, has feared separation from his American wife and young son due to his immigration status. The announcement offers him a sense of security for his family’s future.
“For years, I worried about my son growing up without his father,” Vicencio explained. “Now, I can focus on building a stable life here.”
Vicencio also hopes legal status will facilitate the growth of his businesses in painting and electrical services, providing him with access to business opportunities and loans.
Reflecting on the broader impact of Biden’s immigration policy, Vicencio expressed gratitude for the opportunity to build a stable future in the United States.
“I know there are critics,” he said, “but this country is beautiful, and I love it here.”