Biden policy offers hope to Stuart couple facing deportation
In a recent development, a family residing in Stuart, Florida, has expressed their approval of a new policy introduced by the administration of President Joe Biden. The initiative is designed to provide protection to undocumented families against deportation, marking a positive stride forward. Laura James-Valdez, a member of the family, articulated her excitement and optimism by stating, “I’m so excited, honestly, because it’s something we’ve been waiting for so long. It’s like hope for both my husband and I.”
Having relocated to the United States 12 years ago, James-Valdez is particularly hopeful about the implications of this new measure for her husband, who currently lacks documented status. The journey towards obtaining a green card for her husband, whom she married eight years ago, has been arduous and protracted. James-Valdez emphasized the challenges they face, noting, “We’re not even able to get health insurance for him. We pay taxes together, but he’s not even able to get benefits of being a good citizen for this country.”
The significance of this policy was further elucidated by immigration lawyer Richard Hujber, who works closely with families like that of James-Valdez across Palm Beach, Martin, and Indian River counties. Hujber underscored the complexities involved in the process for individuals who entered the country without a visa, emphasizing the need for waivers in such cases. This policy opens avenues for non-citizens who have been in the U.S. for a minimum of 10 years, are married to a U.S. citizen, and have children to apply for permanent residency without exiting the country.
Despite the potential benefits, Hujber cautioned that the policy might face legal challenges, as is common with executive orders. However, the estimated impact of the policy is substantial, with approximately 500,000 families nationwide set to benefit from its provisions. Palm Beach County, which ranks third in Florida for its immigrant population according to the Migration Policy Institute, stands to be significantly affected. James-Valdez remains hopeful that families in similar circumstances will receive the protection they require, expressing her excitement and hope for the future.
Looking ahead, applications for the program are slated to commence by the conclusion of the summer, offering a ray of hope to families navigating the intricate landscape of immigration policies and regulations. The unveiling of this initiative marks a pivotal moment for many families grappling with uncertainties surrounding their residency status, heralding a potential pathway towards stability and security.
