June 22, 2024
Contact: Paige Censale, pcensale@haitianbridge.org 

San Diego, California – The Haitian Bridge Alliance (HBA) welcomes the recent executive actions announced by President Biden. These actions represent a significant step forward in supporting immigrant families and Dreamers, demonstrating a commitment to fairness, unity, and the American dream.

The new measures include provisions that will allow certain noncitizen spouses and children of U.S. citizens to obtain work authorization and Legal Permanent Resident (LPR) status. Additionally, these actions provide eligible DACA recipients and other Dreamers with a pathway to secure a work visa. This executive action will significantly improve the lives of countless individuals who contribute to the fabric of our nation. The Department of Homeland Security(DHS) estimates that approximately 500,000 noncitizen spouses of U.S. citizens could be eligible to access this process; on average, these noncitizens have resided in the United States for 23 years. Approximately 50,000 children of these spouses also will be eligible for this process.

Eligible recipients of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and other Dreamers will have access to a streamlined process to receive work visas, providing them with the opportunity to continue contributing to the economy and communities without fear of deportation.

Guerline Jozef, Executive Director of Haitian Bridge Alliance, stated:
“These executive actions are a monumental stride toward justice and equality for immigrant families and Dreamers. By enabling noncitizen spouses and children of U.S. citizens to work legally and achieve permanent residency, and by providing Dreamers with a clear path to work visas, the Biden administration is reaffirming the values of compassion and inclusivity that our nation stands for.”

The Haitian Bridge Alliance along with countless human rights groups have long advocated for policies that promote family unity and provide opportunities for immigrants to thrive. These executive actions align with our mission to protect the rights and dignity of Haitian and other immigrant communities. We believe that every individual, regardless of their immigration status, deserves the chance to contribute to society and build a better future for themselves and their families.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Be present in the United States without admission or parole; 
• Have been continuously present in the United States for at least 10 years as of June 17, 2024; and 
• Have a legally valid marriage to a U.S. citizen as of June 17, 2024.