Brenda and Antonio Valle are excited but cautious of the news that President Joe Biden is taking executive action to protect undocumented spouses of American citizens.
The move that would shield about 500,000 immigrants from deportation like Brenda.
“We’ve been waiting a long time for an opportunity like this,” said Brenda, who was brought to the U.S. by her parents 30 years ago. “To finally see it come through, we don’t want to get ahead of ourselves but we are very excited.”
Brenda is married to Antonio, a naturalized U.S. citizen, but she has not been able to apply for residency because it would require her to move to Mexico and start the process there. It would separate her from Antonio and their two young boys.
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“There has been a lot of anxiety and stress, nightmares sometimes of being separated,” said Antonio.
Biden’s order will allow Brenda and some undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens to stay in the country as they apply for permanent residence and eventually citizenship.
The order also impacts DACA recipients like Brenda who have earned degrees in higher education and will be able to get work visas faster.
Both actions are being called the most significant immigration measures since DACA.