Federal Judge Temporarily Pauses Biden’s Parole Program for Undocumented Families

In an important legal development, a federal judge has temporarily paused the Biden administration’s “Keeping Families Together” program, which aims to provide a path to citizenship for nearly half a million undocumented immigrants married to U.S. citizens.

Judge J. Campbell Barker of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas issued this decision in response to a lawsuit filed by 16 states challenging the program’s legality. The judge’s order imposes a 14-day stay, temporarily halting the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from processing or granting parole under the new rule. However, during this period, DHS will continue to accept applications.

Judge Barker emphasized the necessity of proceeding with caution, stating that the court needs to thoroughly evaluate the program’s legality before allowing any actions that might be difficult to undo. This temporary stay enables the court to carefully review the case without letting the program take effect prematurely.

The court has established an expedited schedule, with key deadlines for September and early October. A preliminary relief and summary judgment hearing is expected shortly after October 10. The outcome of this case could significantly influence the future of U.S. immigration policy.

We’ll keep you updated on this evolving story, offering an in-depth analysis of how these legal proceedings could impact families across the country