“Keeping Families Together” Policy: What This Means for Immigrants

A federal judge has issued a temporary 14-day hold on the Biden administration’s “Keeping Families Together” policy, which aims to provide a pathway to citizenship for nearly 500,000 undocumented immigrants married to U.S. citizens. The policy faces legal challenges from 16 Republican-led states, which claim it is unconstitutional and could increase illegal immigration. During this hold, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) can still accept applications but cannot approve them.

Key Points:

• Temporary Hold: Applications are accepted but cannot be processed.
• Legal Challenge: The hold stems from a lawsuit challenging the policy’s constitutionality.
• Applicant Rights: Eligible individuals can apply without penalties.

Policy Background: The “Keeping Families Together” policy expands the “parole in place” program, allowing certain undocumented spouses and stepchildren to remain in the U.S. while applying for a marriage green card. Previously, applicants often had to leave the U.S., risking bans on reentry. This policy helps keep families united by avoiding such separations.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must have lived in the U.S. for at least ten years.
• Must be married to a U.S. citizen by June 17, 2024.
• No serious criminal history.

What’s Next? As the legal review continues, applicants are encouraged to stay informed and consider preparing their applications. This evolving situation underscores the importance of staying updated on legal changes that could impact immigrant families.

Stay Informed and Prepared Follow the latest developments and consult legal advisors to understand your options better during this critical period.