Texas judge blocks Biden’s ‘Parole in Place’ policy amid legal battle

Texas – A federal judge in Texas has issued a ruling blocking the Biden administration’s “parole in place” policy, just a week after the program began accepting applications. The decision followed a lawsuit by 16 Republican-led states, including Texas, that claim the policy encourages illegal immigration by providing benefits to undocumented family members of U.S. citizens.

The “Keeping Families Together” program

The Parole in Place policy, also known as the Keeping Families Together program, is designed to provide spouses and stepchildren of undocumented U.S. citizens with a legal path to remain in the country without fear of deportation. Those who qualify for the program can apply for a work permit, a green card, and eventually citizenship.

The program was designed to help families stay together while allowing undocumented individuals to integrate legally into the labor market. But opponents of the program argue that it rewards illegal immigration and creates loopholes for noncitizens to obtain legal status.

Legal challenge by Republican-led states

The lawsuit, led by Texas and 15 other Republican-led states, argues that the policy violates existing immigration laws and encourages further illegal immigration. The plaintiffs claim that granting work permits and legal residency options to illegals undermines the rule of law.

“This policy sends the wrong message by encouraging illegal immigration and creating legal shortcuts,” said a representative of the Texas Attorney General’s office. The states involved in the lawsuit want to block the program permanently.

Decision of the Federal Judge

The federal judge’s decision to temporarily suspend the program puts on hold the Biden administration’s plans to simplify legal processes for undocumented family members of U.S. citizens. While the ruling is in effect, people eligible for the Parole-in-Place program still have 14 days to submit their applications, although that window may be extended depending on further legal developments.

What happens next with the program?

The Biden administration is expected to appeal the ruling, arguing that the program provides essential protections for families and helps prevent the separation of U.S. citizens from their loved ones. But the legal battle is expected to be lengthy and have significant implications for immigration policy across the country.

For the time being, claimants are advised to seek legal advice and consider making an application within the 14-day period or, depending on the outcome of the ongoing litigation, to await further instructions.

For more information about the Parole in Place policy, contact U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.