United States | Judge temporarily blocks grants under Keeping Families Together program

A federal judge in Texas temporarily blocked the Biden administration from approving parole requests under the Keeping Families Together program on Monday.

Key Points:

• District Court Judge J. Campbell Barker granted a request from 16 states led by Republicans challenging the new program, which opened last week.
• The judge’s order prevents the Department of Homeland Security from approving cases, though the agency can continue accepting program applications. The order lasts for 14 days but may be extended by the judge.
• The Keeping Families Together program allows certain undocumented spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens to apply for parole in place, which provides deportation protection, the opportunity to apply for work permits and a path to permanent residency and citizenship.

Additional Information: DHS officials stated that they would comply with the decision and stop approving cases but continue to accept applications while defending the program in court. More information and updates can be found on the USCIS Keeping Families Together website.

This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice Group.

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