Texas Lawmakers and Activists Debate Biden's New Immigration Policy

Texas lawmakers, activists, and experts offer varied responses to President Joe Biden's latest immigration policy, which offers protection for the undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens. The policy faces criticism from conservative lawmakers and cautious celebration from immigrants' rights activists, who acknowledge it falls short of providing widespread relief.

“I think the scale shows how outdated our laws are...These are long-term residents...and so the scale reflects just how much of an update our laws need." - Elissa C. Steglich, University of Texas law professor

The White House announced the policy, which allows noncitizen spouses and children to apply for permanent residency without leaving the country, on Tuesday. Previously, noncitizen spouses faced significant emotional and financial burdens, including travel costs and potential loss of earnings. https://colinallred.com/news/allred-statement-on-bidens-executive-order-expanding-work-permits/

Key Changes:

• Collapse of the distinction between lawful and unlawful entry when considering noncitizen spouses' residency applications.
• Eligibility for the "parole in place" program requires a 10-year presence in the U.S. and marriage before July 17. https://www.raicestexas.org/updates/paroleinplace

Texas' Response:

• Predicted impact on 500,000 undocumented immigrants, with Texas accounting for tens of thousands.
• Likened to DACA, the policy faces expected legal challenges, particularly from Texas, which recently led a successful challenge against DACA.
• Sen. John Cornyn criticized the policy as incentivizing illegal immigration, while Sen. Ted Cruz accused the administration of padding democratic votes.
• Immigrants' rights group RAICES acknowledged the policy's potential to unwind decades of harm but criticized its timing, following another executive order restricting asylum-seekers.
• U.S. Rep. Colin Allred, challenging Cruz for the Senate, called for comprehensive immigration reform, stating it's "no substitution for Congressional action."