In a significant executive action planned for Tuesday, the Biden administration intends to shield approximately 500,000 undocumented spouses of American citizens from deportation, according to four sources familiar with the matter. Described as "the biggest thing since DACA" by an immigration advocate, this move is seen as a strategic political step by the Biden administration.

Advocates and Capitol Hill staffers, who are among the four sources, have disclosed that lawmakers have been briefed and some of them have been invited to the White House for the announcement. The program, known as "parole in place," will not only protect these undocumented spouses but also offer a simplified path to obtain a green card and ultimately, U.S. citizenship. Additionally, the sources reveal that work permits will be granted on a case-by-case basis, allowing undocumented spouses to seek employment.

To be eligible for a work permit, the undocumented spouses must have resided in the U.S. and been married for a minimum of 10 years, according to two of the sources. President Joe Biden is also expected to announce a new action related to DACA recipients who have earned degrees in higher education and are in search of employment in their respective fields, as stated by three of the sources.

These actions are a response to the pleas of immigration advocates and Democratic lawmakers, who have urged the administration to prioritize long-term undocumented immigrants. Furthermore, Biden's efforts to court Latino voters in crucial battleground states like Nevada and Arizona are believed to be a driving force behind these decisions.

However, it is anticipated that these measures will face legal challenges, considering the contentious nature of immigration reform in recent years. As the Biden administration aims to navigate through legal hurdles, the protection of undocumented spouses and the provision of a path to citizenship signify a significant step forward in the area of immigration reform.