Immigration Advocates and Business Leaders Call on President Biden to Extend Work Visas for Long-Term Undocumented Individuals and Immigrant Spouses
In the wake of President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address focusing on the economy and immigration reform, immigration advocates and business leaders are urging him to use his executive authority to extend work visas to long-term undocumented individuals and immigrant spouses of U.S. citizens. The American Business Immigration Coalition organized a press call on Friday to express frustrations over the Biden administration’s decision to grant new migrants humanitarian parole for quick protections and work opportunities, while neglecting those who have been living in the country undocumented for longer periods.
With Congress failing to act on immigration reform for nearly 40 years and a recent bipartisan border security deal falling apart, advocates see executive action as the only viable solution. Al Cardenas, co-chairman of the American Business Immigration Coalition, emphasized the urgency by stating, “We have no other choice than to knock on the door of the White House.”
Americans with undocumented spouses also joined the call for relief, highlighting the plight of over 1.1 million Americans who fear their spouses could face deportation. Ashley DeAzevedo, president of American Families United, emphasized the importance of President Biden’s commitment to not separate families, calling it a promise for their futures.
President Biden’s State of the Union address highlighted the issue of immigration, particularly how Republicans walked away from a bipartisan border deal and his intention to work with Congress to overhaul U.S. immigration law. Amid interruptions from Republicans in response to a House bill named after a murdered college student, immigration has become a central topic in the presidential rematch.
The frustration over work permits arises as the Biden administration grapples with a surge in migrant encounters at the U.S.-Mexico border. Undocumented workers who have been waiting for visas for decades feel overlooked amidst the administration’s focus on new arrivals. Rebecca Shi of the American Business Immigration Coalition emphasized the need for equal treatment for long-term undocumented individuals who have been contributing to the economy for years.
The push for work visas extends to mixed-status families living in swing states, emphasizing the political significance of the issue. American Families United is launching campaigns in several states to demand the right for undocumented spouses to work legally in the U.S. One U.S. citizen, Allyson, shared her frustration over living in fear and uncertainty for over 20 years due to her undocumented spouse’s status.
As the Biden administration faces mounting pressure to address the needs of long-term undocumented individuals and immigrant spouses, the call for executive action continues to grow. In a political climate where immigration reform remains a divisive issue, the plight of those affected by these policies remains a pressing concern for many Americans.
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