Eric Welsh was recently quoted in The Dallas Morning News article “For a Denton couple, a new program for undocumented spouses could offer a clearer future,” examining the Biden administration’s proposed parole-in-place program. The policy, which was announced last month, could allow undocumented spouses who have resided in the U.S. for 10+ years and who have been married to a citizen as of June 17, 2024, to remain in the country for up to 3 years and receive work authorization.
While the program is expected to protect thousands of immigrants from deportation, Eric explained nothing is set in stone as it still has to make it past the Federal Register without challenges. He predicts, “I’m sure that opposition will be robust in no small part because this is an election year.”
Those in favor of the policy find it advantageous that eligible immigrants would be able to apply for lawful permanent resident status without having to leave the country, something Eric has struggled with in his own practice. He explains that many face uncertainty leaving for a consulate interview as it is not always a guarantee they will be allowed back into the U.S. “This is something that I think a rational person would struggle with, because it’s a risk assessment that you’ve got to make,” he tells The Dallas Morning News.
