Texas Judge Prolongs Hold on DHS Spousal Parole Program with Another 14-Day Extension
A Texas Judge extended a temporary pause on President Biden’s Spousal Parole Program, also called the “Keeping Families Together” initiative, which aims to provide clearer pathways to green cards for undocumented spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens.
The program was set to begin on August 19 but is now on hold until at least September 23 following U.S. District Judge J. Campbell Barker’s ruling. The extension comes in response to a lawsuit filed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and 15 other states, who argue the plan is illegal.
Spousal Parole Program Under Legal Scrutiny
The program offers undocumented spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens a chance to apply for permanent residency without leaving the country, as long as they have lived in the U.S. for at least ten years and have no criminal record.
The coalition of states opposing the program includes Texas, Florida, Idaho, and 13 others. They argue that allowing undocumented individuals to remain in the U.S. places financial burdens on state resources. GOP attorneys from these states involved in the lawsuit claim that the initiative provides amnesty to individuals who entered the country illegally, offering a pathway to citizenship that they argue goes against immigration laws.
Immigration attorney Matt Cameron explained that the program’s opponents are not giving their supporters the complete picture, noting that the initiative does not immediately grant citizenship. Instead, it creates a legal route to permanent residency for families who have established strong community ties.
Biden Stands Firm on Reuniting Families
President Biden firmly defends the program, stating that it addresses the needs of families who contribute to American society and should not be torn apart. He states that families should not be needlessly separated; instead, they should be able to stay together. He assured that the Biden-Harris administration will not cease fighting for them.
Court Ruling and Potential Legal Challenges
The Eastern District Court of Texas has extended its administrative stay, preventing approvals under the program until at least September 23. While U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) continues to accept applications, none will be approved during this period. The case, Texas et al. vs. DHS et al., could extend further as the court evaluates the initiative’s legality.
USCIS has confirmed that PIP approvals granted before the initial stay remain valid and that biometrics appointments for new applications should proceed as scheduled. However, the timeline to resolve the case remains uncertain, with possible appeals looming.
A Fight for Family Unity
Despite the legal challenges, proponents of the program, including the Justice Action Center, remain committed to defending the initiative. Esther Sung, the center’s legal director, emphasized the importance of family unity and vowed to continue the fight. She stated that family unity should be a sacred value, and with the presidential election approaching, the future of the Spousal Parole program remains uncertain.
She emphasized that the outcome of the debate surrounding the initiative could have significant implications for immigration policy in the U.S.
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