UnidosUS Condemns Federal Court Immigration Ruling that Threatens Thousands of American Families Eligible for the “Keeping Families Together” Program

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Washington, DC – Today, a federal court in Texas struck down the “Keeping Families Together” (KFT) parole-in-place (PiP) program, following a lawsuit brought by Texas and 15 other state attorneys general. The Biden administration program is designed to allow certain undocumented spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens to earn legal status, for which they already qualify, without leaving the country.

In response to the ruling, UnidosUS President and CEO Janet Murguía issued the following statement: 

“We are deeply disappointed with the court’s decision as we continue to believe that the Keeping Families Together program stands on firm legal ground and call on the administration to continue defending it. This decision will impact hundreds of thousands of hard-working, taxpaying American families and immigrants who have lived in this country for decades and deserve access to a green card in the U.S. without leaving the country and risking family separation. The court’s decision not only jeopardizes their well-being, it also risks true economic harm to states across the country.  

“During this election cycle there was one clear mandate: address the economic concerns of everyday people. This legal action is a costly distraction that runs against what the majority of Americans ultimately want when it comes to immigration: a path that provides permanent legal status to undocumented immigrants who have called our country home for decades. 

“While the case progresses through the courts, we urge community members to consult with qualified legal service providers and stay informed. UnidosUS remains unwavering in our support of these families and in our commitment to an immigration system that benefits our communities and strengthens our nation.”