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.
The Presidency has reacted to the ongoing dispute between former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and the state government over the state’s finances.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, said Obi had claimed he left Anambra debt-free and promised to stop his presidential campaign if proven wrong.
Onanuga said the Anambra government had presented figures showing outstanding obligations to workers, pensioners and contractors under Obi’s administration.
Obi, however, denied the claims, saying his administration cleared over ₦35 billion in historical gratuities and arrears before leaving office.
“If anybody can establish anything to the contrary, I will stop campaigning,” Obi said.
Nigerian socialite Cubana Chief Priest has spoken about why he believes Igbos are supporting President Bola Tinubu’s bid for re-election in the 2027 presidential election.
He said the president’s son, Seyi Tinubu, has given Igbos greater access to the president.
He said “We Igbos now have access to Mr. President Tinubu through his son, Seyi Tinubu. That’s why we’re doing everything to make sure he’s re-elected.”
Cubana Chief Priest also spoke about the growing support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State, saying “Thousands of Imolites are trooping in for registration for APC. Ndi Imo don’t just love the City Boys Movement, they believe in it. Let’s do politics with lifestyle. On Asiwaju’s mandate, we shall stand. Imo is APC. Here, it’s zero competition.”
Spiritual leader Primate Elijah Ayodele warns the APC against being too confident ahead of the 2027 election.
He shared “Overconfidence will kill APC; they will be too overconfident, and that will be the party’s weakness in the election. They will turn Tinubu to a demi-god, but it will make them lose the election. They believe money can do everything, but it will fail in the 2027 election,” Ayodele said.
Ayodele has repeatedly warned the APC not to assume that its current political strength will automatically translate into victory in 2027.
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