New York, NY—Today, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals is set to hear oral arguments for the Keeping Families Together (KFT) program, which aims to expand access to the parole in place program for long-term undocumented immigrants married to U.S. citizens, as well as the step-children of U.S. citizens. This program could temporarily protect up to 500,000 immigrants from deportation – including 20,000 immigrant New Yorkers – and allow them to apply for work authorization and potentially apply for permanent residency without having to leave the country.
Murad Awawdeh, President and CEO, New York Immigration Coalition:
“Today’s oral arguments represent a pivotal moment for 20,000 immigrant New Yorkers who have built families, established businesses, and enriched the diverse fabric of communities across the state. Keeping Families Together is a crucial step toward creating a more humane and comprehensive immigration system that acknowledges the vital role of immigrants and ensures that families can remain together – fostering stability and growth within our communities. Our leaders in Washington must champion solutions that empower immigrants to thrive, including establishing legal pathways that eliminate the constant threat of separation. We must uphold our shared values of empathy and inclusion, paving the way for every family to flourish within our country living with dignity and respect.”
Background
The Biden administration’s Keep Families Together parole process began accepting applications on August 19th, 2024 to allow undocumented immigrants who are married to U.S. citizens, as well as the step-children of 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.
On June 18, 2024, the Biden administration and the Department of Homeland Security announced new actions that would support the ability of undocumented Americans to work and remain in the country with their families without fear of deportation while they pursue a pathway to legal status.