ALERT: The State of Texas, along with several other states, has taken legal action against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) over the recently introduced Keeping Families Together Parole in Place (PIP) Program. The plaintiffs in this lawsuit argue that the program effectively bypasses established immigration laws and grants what they consider to be mass amnesty to a significant number of undocumented immigrants. They claim that this new policy is an overreach of executive authority and a violation of federal law, raising serious concerns about the implications for U.S. immigration policy.
On August 19, 2024, DHS announced the Keeping Families Together process. This new initiative allows certain noncitizen spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens to apply for parole in place, offering them a legal pathway to remain in the United States temporarily. The DHS has provided detailed information on the eligibility criteria, the application process, and the documentation required for this process. These details can be found on the DHS website, the Federal Register notice, and a new Filing Guide for Form I-131F, which is available online to help individuals prepare their applications.
However, just a few days later, on August 26, 2024, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas issued an administrative stay in the case Texas v. Department of Homeland Security, Case Number 24-cv-306. This stay temporarily halts DHS from granting any new parole in place requests under the Keeping Families Together program for at least 14 days, with the possibility of extending this period. During this stay, DHS will not approve any pending PIP requests, though they will continue to accept new applications. Importantly, this court order does not affect any PIP applications that were approved before the stay was issued.
If you or someone you know is considering applying for PIP under the Keeping Families Together program, it is advisable to submit your application as soon as possible. Given the current legal challenges and the potential for further delays, acting quickly could be crucial. Stay informed and keep an eye out for more updates on this critical issue.
26 September 2024 
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