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• Spain Introduces Temporary Pathway to Regularize Immigration Status
• DOJ Challenges Local ICE Restrictions in Michigan Lawsuit

Spain Introduces Temporary Pathway to Regularize Immigration Status

Spain has implemented a temporary policy allowing certain foreign nationals with irregular status to obtain legal residence and work authorization. The measure aims to address labor shortages and broader demographic challenges, while providing a pathway for individuals already residing in the country.

To qualify, applicants must have entered Spain before January 1, 2026, and demonstrate at least five months of continuous presence. Additional requirements include being over 18 years old, maintaining a clean criminal record for the past five years, and meeting one of the following criteria:

• Proof of employment or intent to pursue self-employment;
• Evidence of close family ties in Spain; or
• Certification of social vulnerability from relevant authorities.

Applicants receive interim authorization to live and work in Spain upon filing.  Those approved are granted a one-year residence and work permit, with the possibility of extension.

 The policy also introduces more flexible rules for children, and eases certain financial and housing requirements.

Applications must be submitted by June 30, 2026.

Impact: This measure could regularize the status of hundreds of thousands of individuals and expand Spain’s available workforce. It also reflects a broader trend of countries using immigration policy to address labor needs and demographic pressures.

DOJ Challenges Local ICE Restrictions in Michigan Lawsuit

The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against Washtenaw County, Michigan, alleging that local policies unlawfully interfere with federal immigration enforcement.  Filed in federal court in April 2026, the case names the county, its sheriff’s office, prosecutor, and board of commissioners.

According to the DOJ, several county-level policies restrict cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), including limits on honoring ICE detainer requests, restrictions on sharing information with federal authorities, and requirements that ICE agents obtain a judicial warrant before accessing county facilities.

The federal government argues that these measures violate the Constitution’s Supremacy Clause. The complaint further asserts that the county’s approach obstructs immigration enforcement and may result in individuals being released from custody rather than transferred to federal authorities.

Local officials have pushed back, maintaining that their policies are designed to preserve community trust and align with constitutional principles. They also emphasize that ICE detainers are generally considered requests, not mandatory orders, and that local law enforcement is not required to enforce federal immigration laws.

The lawsuit is part of a broader federal effort to challenge similar policies nationwide. The DOJ seeks to block the county’s policies and require greater cooperation with federal authorities.

Impact: This case highlights ongoing tension between federal immigration authority and local enforcement policies. The outcome could clarify the limits of local discretion in cooperating with ICE and may influence how other jurisdictions structure their immigration related policies moving forward.