New Immigration Relief Proposal: What It Means for Long-Term Undocumented Immigrants

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As the new immigration relief proposal unfolds, it’s important to note that an official application process has yet to be established. Only specific groups of immigrants will initially qualify for relief. Individuals who believe they might be eligible are strongly advised to seek guidance from reputable legal organizations, such as The Resurrection Project or the National Immigrant Justice Center, or consult with a qualified immigration attorney before engaging with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or any other federal agency. It’s crucial to stay vigilant as “notarios” and other unscrupulous individuals may exploit the situation for personal gain.

A poignant moment occurred on June 19th when immigrants, advocates, elected officials, labor unions, and community leaders gathered at The Resurrection Project to respond to President Biden’s latest immigration actions. These measures represent the most significant shift in immigration policy since DACA in 2012, promising to enhance work authorization and legal status pathways for hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants and DREAMers nationwide.

Key Aspects of the New Proclamation:

  1. Parole-in-Place (PIP) for Undocumented Spouses: Certain undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens will be eligible to apply for “parole-in-place” (PIP), providing protection against deportation and access to work permits and legal permanent residency. This change affects about half a million undocumented immigrants and their children, with applications starting August 19th.
  2. Streamlined Work Visas for DACA Recipients: DACA recipients and other DREAMers with a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a job offer in a specialized field, will experience expedited work visa processing. This may eventually lead to a pathway to legal permanent residency.

The announcement follows the Illinois General Assembly’s landmark resolution, House Joint Resolution 69 (HJR 69), which urged President Biden to grant work permits to long-term undocumented immigrants in Illinois. The resolution reflects Illinois’s commitment to addressing workforce shortages while upholding human rights. Over 400,000 undocumented workers contribute significantly to Illinois’s economy, and many have lived in the U.S. for over 20 years.

Campaign Efforts and Legislative Support:

The Work Permits for All campaign, launched in August last year, played a crucial role in this development. Advocates and allies organized nationwide rallies and press conferences, including a major event in D.C. that drew over 2,000 attendees. The Chicago City Council and Cook County Board were among the first to endorse work permits for long-term undocumented immigrants in December 2023. By the end of May 2024, HJR 69 passed with substantial support in both the Illinois House and Senate.

The Latino Policy Forum emerged as a key player in shaping legislative strategy and policy analysis. President Biden’s announcement of the new PIP policy provided the much-needed political momentum for the campaign.

Ongoing Challenges and Goals:

Despite this progress, the new PIP policy will benefit only a subset of undocumented immigrants. Many will remain excluded, including long-time workers, caregivers, and those who cannot meet the eligibility criteria. While the policy marks a significant advancement in protecting mixed-status families, the broader goal remains: achieving comprehensive work permits and a clear pathway to citizenship for all undocumented immigrants. The struggle for relief continues for the remaining 10.5 million undocumented individuals, highlighting the need for further action and advocacy.

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