Biden Announces Protections for Illegal Immigrants Married to US Citizens

The measure will affect nearly half a million spouses of U.S. citizens and approximately 50,000 noncitizen children.

President Joe Biden speaks at an event marking the 12th anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program in the East Room at the White House on June 18, 2024. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

President Joe Biden announced on June 18 that his administration will not deport many illegal immigrants who are married to U.S. citizens.

The government’s new program enables illegal immigrant adults who are married to U.S. citizens to stay in the United States while applying for legal status. Spouses must have lived in the United States for at least 10 years as of June 17.