In a series of recent executive actions, President Biden has garnered both anger and support from immigration advocates. One move aims to protect undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens from deportation and offers an easier path to legal status for them, while another action taken two weeks ago has faced backlash for severely restricting asylum access at the border for those seeking refuge.

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas defended the administration's approach, stating that the two seemingly contradictory actions can coexist and are not in tension with one another. Mayorkas emphasized that the latest move is centered around family unity and providing stability to families who have contributed to the country.

The plan announced this week aims to grant work permits and "parole in place" for eligible undocumented individuals who are married to U.S. citizens and have lived in the country for at least 10 years. It also allows a three-year window for them to apply for legal permanent status through their existing marriages. Additionally, the plan extends paths of legal status to undocumented minors and stepchildren of U.S. citizens.

Mayorkas affirmed that this approach has been consistent since the beginning of Biden's presidency. He highlighted the administration's commitment to securing the border while simultaneously implementing measures domestically to create a fairer and more just system for long-term residents.

However, the plan has faced criticism from Republicans who view it as blanket amnesty. Mayorkas clarified that it does not grant blanket amnesty, but rather changes the process for individuals who may qualify for lawful permanent residency. The previous requirement for undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens to leave the country has been waived in an effort to keep families together, reflecting an underlying core value of the United States.

Responding to the timing of these executive actions during the election season, Mayorkas explained that Congress has repeatedly failed to take action to fix the broken immigration system. The administration seeks to address these issues and has presented Congress with a comprehensive legislative proposal since the beginning of Biden's term.

Despite the praise received from immigrant advocates for the latest action, the Biden administration is currently facing a lawsuit filed by the ACLU and others. The lawsuit argues that the administration violated federal law, particularly the 1980 Refugee Act, with the action taken two weeks ago, which effectively restricted asylum for those who do not arrive at designated ports of entry. Mayorkas confidently stated that the administration is not breaking the law and expressed confidence in the lawfulness of their actions.

As the immigration debate continues to be polarizing and crucial to American voters, President Biden's executive actions on immigration have drawn both applause and criticism. The government's focus on family unity and fairer pathways to legal status has been met with support, while concerns regarding border security and adherence to federal law persist. Only time will tell how these actions will shape the larger immigration landscape in the United States.

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