AUSTIN – Today the President is authorizing an executive order to protect undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens and provide work authorization that will help support labor market needs. Previous policy allowed for undocumented spouses to apply for lawful permanent residency – a status they already qualify for – but they had to leave the country to do so. As a result of the executive order, undocumented spouses and their children can “parole in place” while applying for residency.