Immigration News - Immigration Reform, Programs & Policy, United States United States | Keeping Families Together ruled unlawful Share this article LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) November 12, 2024 A federal judge in Texas ruled against the Keeping Families Together program, determining that the policy violates U.S. immigration law. Key Points: U.S. District Court Judge J. Campbell Barker agreed with a lawsuit filed by Texas and more than a dozen other states, stating that the Biden administration did not have legal authority to grant parole in place to undocumented immigrants already in the U.S. The Biden administration’s policy, announced in June, intended to provide deportation protections and a streamlined path to permanent residency for qualifying undocumented spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens who are long-term U.S. residents. The Department of Homeland Security paused the program in August pending legal challenges. Per the district court ruling, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will no longer be able to resume approving parole requests under this program. Additional Information: A White House spokesperson stated, “We strongly disagree with yesterday’s rulings and we are evaluating next steps.” This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice Group. Copyright © 2024 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.