New York, NY—Today, a lawsuit was filed by sixteen Republican-led states seeking to stop the Keeping Families Together, a parole in place program launched by President Biden in June, claiming that the administration bypassed Congress to establish a pathway to citizenship. However, the Department of Homeland Security has stated that the program is legal. Despite the lawsuit, applications are still being accepted as of publication.
The policy, which began accepting applications on Monday, August 19, will allow undocumented immigrants who are married to U.S. citizens the opportunity to adjust their status in the US without being separated from their families, their communities, and their work. Building off existing authorities, a process for “Parole in Place” will apply to undocumented spouses of United States citizens who have resided in the U.S. for at least ten years and meet other eligibility requirements. This new process could keep an estimated 500,000 people in the country – affecting a total of 2 million family members – and upwards of 20,000 undocumented New Yorkers.
Murad Awawdeh, President and CEO, New York Immigration Coalition:
“Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, MAGA Republican politicians, and anti-immigrant groups continue to launch their small-minded but dangerous attacks on our communities, with the hopes of scoring cheap political points at the expense of hard working families. The right-wing efforts to block Keeping Families Together – a program that would significantly benefit hundreds of thousands of long-term immigrants and their communities – is a direct challenge to our country’s core values of justice and inclusion. If we are going to fix our broken immigration system, we must maintain and provide new legal pathways for immigration – especially ones that allow individuals and families to stay together in the communities they call home. Instead of pursuing divisive tactics that block humane reforms, elected officials should focus on ensuring that everyone who calls this country home has the ability to support themselves and thrive in their communities.”