Biden unveils new immigrant citizenship path

US President Joe Biden announced on Tuesday a new potential citizenship path for immigrants married to US nationals, balancing a recent crackdown on illegal border crossers in an attempt to thread a tricky pre-election political needle.

The Biden administration has been struggling to address immigration, a divisive issue for many ahead of November's presidential election.

The Democrat is seeking to be tougher on illegal migrants while contrasting himself with Donald Trump, whose attempt to win back the White House is heavily centered on portraying the country as being under assault by what he calls a migrant "invasion".

Biden's action was immediately condemned by Republicans, but hailed by immigration reform activists.

The new rules will streamline the process for those who already qualify for permanent residence, by removing a requirement that they leave the country as part of the application process.

The new rules would apply to those present in the country for at least 10 years and married to a US citizen before June 17, 2024 — which the administration estimates to include half a million people.

In addition, some 50,000 stepchildren of US citizens would be eligible.

Those approved would be granted work authorization and the right to stay in the United States for up to three years, while they apply for the coveted green card. That would then allow them to apply later for full citizenship.

On Tuesday, Biden accused his predecessor of preying on fears about immigrants as he chastised Trump administration moves, such as a zero-tolerance policy at the southern border that led to the separation of families. But Trump has leaned into his own policies as Biden has faced disapproval of his handling of immigration throughout his presidency.

At a rally in Racine, Wisconsin, on Tuesday, Trump proclaimed, "When I'm reelected, Joe Biden's illegal amnesty plan will be ripped up and thrown out on the very first day that we're back in office."

Poll data indicated that immigration is a major concern for US voters in the upcoming presidential election. Republicans have slammed the new rules.

Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, and his campaign have criticized Biden's policies on illegal immigration and have pledged to deport millions if he is reelected. His campaign has accused Biden of creating "another invitation for illegal immigration".

"Biden only cares about one thing — power — and that's why he is giving mass amnesty and citizenship to hundreds of thousands of illegals who he knows will ultimately vote for him and the Open Border Democrat Party," Trump campaign spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said.

Senator Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican, has in the past advocated for a pathway to citizenship for those without legal status in the US. But on Tuesday, he called Biden's policy a "disaster".

"I just think it's making every problem worse," Graham said.

Congressman Josh Brecheen said: "With the stroke of a pen, President Biden is now shielding 550,000 illegal aliens from deportation. This is all in an effort to appease their family members hoping to garnish their votes for the upcoming election."

But groups campaigning for undocumented spouses of US citizens to get work permits celebrated Biden's move.

At the same time, Biden is trying to address widespread concerns that illegal immigration has gotten out of control.

A previous, bipartisan immigration package pushed by Biden in Congress would have introduced the strictest policies in decades, but it fell apart when Republicans walked away from the deal — under pressure from Trump, whose campaign depends on portraying Biden as failing on the issue.

Agencies contributed to this story.