A federal judge has blocked a Biden administration program that aimed to ease the path to residency for undocumented immigrants married to U.S. citizens. This program, known as “Keeping Families Together,” would benefit those who have lived in the U.S. for over 10 years and pose no security threat. The program relied on an existing authorization called “parole in place.”
How Does This Affect Immigrant Families?
- This decision removes an important path for around 500,000 immigrants to regularize their status without leaving the country.
- Without this option, undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens may have to return to their home countries and face long waiting periods before they can return.
- With the potential for more restrictive policies under the new administration taking office in 2025, programs like this are even less likely.
What Happened?
- The program allowed undocumented spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens to apply for a green card without having to leave the country
- It was halted after Texas and 15 other states filed a lawsuit, accusing the administration of overstepping its authority
- Judge J. Campbell Barker ruled that the Biden administration stretched the interpretation of immigration law “beyond its limit”
The judge’s decision leaves many families in uncertainty, which is why it’s so important to stay informed and have proper legal support.How does this decision impact you?
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