UnidosUS Condemns Cynical and Baseless Lawsuit Targeting a Program that Helps Keep American Families Together

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WASHINGTON, DC — Last week, a group of 16 state attorneys general filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claiming that the Keeping Families Together parole program, which allows certain undocumented spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens to pursue a green card without leaving the U.S., is unlawful. Following this decision, a federal judge in the Eastern District of Texas has granted an administrative stay, barring the federal government from granting approvals for the next 14 days. The program, which began to receive applications on August 19, is open to individuals who have resided in the country for 10 years.  

UnidosUS President and CEO Janet Murguía issued the following statement in reaction to this lawsuit and the court’s ruling:  

“While this lawsuit comes as no surprise, we are still appalled by this heartless and cynical action and disappointed by the court’s decision to pause a program that provides much needed relief to 500,000 American families. Anti-immigrant extremists like Ken Paxton and Stephen Miller pull these stunts to not only prevent real and effective policy solutions, but to stoke division and deliberately inflict pain and harm. The cruelty is the point.  

“They are also standing in the way of a policy that would benefit all Americans, boost the U.S. economy and provide community stability across our country by allowing access to work permits for families that have resided in the U.S. for an average of 23 years. These types of actions stand against what the majority of Americans want – relief for the long-residing undocumented population, which is the top immigration priority for Latino voters. 

“Fortunately, while USCIS has been prevented from approving further applications for the next 14 days, it is still receiving submissions. Moreover, the District Court’s administrative stay order does not affect any applications that were approved before the ruling was issued. We encourage community members to consult with qualified legal service providers and stay informed.”