Keeping Families Together Program Has Begun as of August 19, 2024, and a Lawsuit Has Been Filed Against the Program as of August 23, 2024

On August 19, 2024 the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a Federal Register notice to implement Keeping Families Together Parole-in-Place program, a process for certain noncitizen spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens to obtain “parole,” a temporary three year status that would provide the recipient with the ability to remain in the U.S., apply for work authorization, as well as creating a pathway to obtain a green card from within the U.S. USCIS has begun accepting applications for this program. However, on August 23, 2024, Texas and other states filed a lawsuit challenging the program in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas (Texas v. Department of Homeland Security, Case No. 24-cv-306). On August 26, 2024, the court issued an administrative stay that orders USCIS to halt approvals for 14 days but allows USCIS to continue to receive applications and conduct biometrics appointments.