Johnson Smith lauds Biden's move to give legal protection to undocumented spouses of US citizens

    

Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson Smith has lauded the executive action by United States President Joe Biden to give legal protection to the undocumented spouses of US citizens.

 

The policy will apply to those who have been in the country for at least 10 years, are married as of June 17 and will allow them to work in the US legally.

 

Addressing Wednesday's post Cabinet media briefing from the 10th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference in St. James, Mrs. Johnson Smith said many Jamaicans could benefit from the initiative. 

 

"This decision that has been taken, we know it will positively impact families. We know it will positively impact Jamaican families. I don't have numbers for the persons; this is a very recent development. But we do know that people are being encouraged, and we encourage Jamaicans, who may be listening overseas, to get guidance from attorneys as to your eligibility before you engage the process, so that you ensure that when you do, there is a positive result. You may think that it is if you have been in an irregular situation that you shouldn't engage, but we encourage you, get advice, get good legitimate advice," the minister urged. 

 

Under the current law, a person who enters the US illegally and marries a citizen must first leave the country before applying for legal residency.

 

The curtains will close on the Jamaica Diaspora conference on Wednesday.