The Keeping Families Together Program: What Is It?
The Keeping Families Together program is a new initiative introduced by President Biden’s administration. It aims to offer a path to citizenship for about 500,000 immigrants who entered the U.S. illegally but are married to U.S. citizens. These immigrants must have lived in the country for at least 10 years to be eligible. The program also provides temporary “parole” status for around 50,000 children under 21 who have a U.S.-citizen parent, potentially leading to citizenship. Without this program, many of these immigrants would need to leave the U.S. for years before being able to return legally.
Legal Challenges to the Program
Texas and 15 other states with Republican attorneys general have filed a lawsuit to stop the program. The lawsuit argues that the Biden administration is overstepping its authority by granting legal status to people who entered the country illegally. They claim this action circumvents U.S. immigration law. America First Legal, an organization led by former Trump adviser Stephen Miller, is supporting the lawsuit as co-counsel alongside the states involved.
Current Status of the Program
A U.S. District Judge, J. Campbell Barker, has temporarily blocked the program. This pause will remain in place until at least September 23, 2024. During this time, there will be legal discussions and possibly a hearing about the program. The Biden administration had opened applications for the program last month, but this legal challenge has put a hold on its implementation.
Political Context
Immigration is a major concern for voters in the upcoming November 5 election, according to recent Reuters/Ipsos polling. The program was announced by President Biden in June 2024, before he dropped out of the presidential race. Vice President Kamala Harris is now the Democratic nominee, facing Republican Donald Trump in the election. The outcome of this legal battle and the future of the Keeping Families Together program could have significant implications for the election and U.S. immigration policy.
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