A Texas judge has extended a temporary halt on President Biden’s “Keeping Families Together” program, which aims to provide clearer paths to green cards for undocumented spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens. The program was set to begin on August 19 but has now been put on hold until at least September 23. This decision allows for a briefing and potential hearing on a lawsuit filed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and 15 other states, who argue that the initiative is illegal. The program would benefit around half a million spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens who entered the country illegally.
The “Keeping Families Together” program requires spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens to have been continuously present in the U.S. for ten years without a criminal record in order to apply for permanent residency. Critics of the program claim it offers amnesty to those who entered the country illegally and provides a path to citizenship, which is not typically allowed when applying for a green card. Supporters of the program argue that it benefits individuals who have strong ties to their communities and are not eligible to adjust their status due to their initial illegal entry into the country. President Biden has expressed his support for the program and stated that families affected by the lawsuit are friends, neighbors, and co-workers of American citizens.
The states challenging the program, including Texas, Florida, and several others, argue that undocumented individuals place additional financial burdens on state resources. However, individuals affected by the pause on the program believe that most residents in these states would not support the lawsuit filed by their attorneys general, as it would lead to the separation of families and the use of taxpayer funds for legal challenges. The issue comes at a critical time, just months before the presidential election, and it remains unclear if a resolution can be reached before November 5. The Department of Homeland Security has stated that applications for the program are still being accepted but not approved while the temporary halt is in place.
One individual impacted by the pause on the program is Rico Ocampo, who arrived in the U.S. at the age of 2 and is currently seeking permanent residency to stay with his wife and children. Ocampo met his wife over a decade ago, and they have three children together. Despite the challenges and uncertainty surrounding the program, individuals like Ocampo continue to advocate for their right to stay with their families and contribute to their communities. The ongoing legal battle highlights the complex and emotional nature of immigration policies and the impact they have on individuals and families across the country. As the case progresses in court, the fate of the “Keeping Families Together” program remains uncertain.
