Politics
Biden Announces Streamlined Residency Process for Undocumented Spouses of US Citizens
On Tuesday, June 18, President Joe Biden will introduce new regulations to simplify the pathway for undocumented spouses of US citizens to obtain permanent residency, the White House has announced.
The updated rules will not extend eligibility for permanent residency but will simplify the existing process for those already eligible. One significant change is the elimination of the requirement for applicants to leave the United States during the application process.
These new regulations will apply to individuals who have been residing in the US for at least 10 years and are married to a US citizen by June 17, 2024. The administration estimates that this will affect approximately 500,000 people. Additionally, around 50,000 stepchildren of US citizens will also benefit from these changes.
Those who qualify under the new rules will be granted work authorization and permission to remain in the US for up to three years while their permanent residency applications are processed. Upon obtaining permanent residency, commonly known as a green card, individuals can then apply for citizenship.
A senior administration official highlighted that the new process aims to “reduce bureaucracy and alleviate the hardship caused by the need to leave the country.” However, another official stressed that comprehensive reform of immigration and asylum laws can only be achieved through Congress.
This announcement comes on the heels of President Biden’s executive order to close the border to asylum seekers after daily limits were reached, a move that faced significant backlash and legal challenges from various rights groups. Biden’s previous attempt to pass a bipartisan immigration reform package also failed when Republicans withdrew their support.
In addition, the Biden administration will simplify the process for “Dreamers”—individuals who entered the US illegally as children—to obtain work visas if they have graduated from college and secured a high-skilled job offer.
Media personality Dele Momodu reacts and shares his thoughts regarding First Lady Remi Tinubu interrupting the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, during a recent event.
The event was the 10th coronation anniversary of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi. In the scene, while Governor Adeleke was giving a speech, he began with a worship song. But while singing, the First Lady stood up and met him to inform him to stop singing and go directly to his speech instead.
Media personality Dele then reacted and questioned why she would do something like that, asking if she would have done the same kind of interruption if it were the recitation of the Qur’an.
First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has shared that she has forgiven those who betrayed her husband during the 2023 general elections.
She revealed this as she marked a new age, reflecting on what the future holds. She emphasized that she holds no grudge against anyone.
“I do not have anything against anyone. The question is how I stopped feeling the betrayal? I knew the grace factor was evident, and the Holy Spirit continually comforted me. I chose never to avenge myself, understanding that it is God’s prerogative. Mine is to thank Him for fighting for us. If God decides to fight your battles and you have won, is there anything else that God missed and you wanted to fix? Nothing. So, let it go.”
Paul Ibe, spokesperson to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of laying the groundwork to manipulate the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during a YouTube interview, Ibe alleged that the ruling party, led by President Bola Tinubu, has run out of achievements to show after more than two years in office. This has resorted to silencing opposition voices and critical institutions.
According to him, APC is working to weaken independent media, civil society groups, and political opponents. They insists that the clampdown is part of a wider strategy to retain power.
“They have nothing to offer after two years of holding on to the mandate,” Ibe said. “The only way left for them is to start preparing to rig, and the process is already in motion.”
Additionally, he went on to describe Nigeria’s current political climate as a drift into dictatorship, recalling the heavy price paid by activists who fought for democracy in the past.
“The democracy we’ve had since 1999 came at a huge sacrifice. Many lives were lost in the struggle,” he said. “Those heroes would be turning in their graves to see what is happening now. People like Sowore are being harassed and intimidated, and that shows where we are heading.”
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