Sixteen Republican-led states are suing to block a federal program that could give nearly half a million immigrants without legal status who are married to U.S. citizens a path to citizenship. The lawsuit, led by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, argues that President Biden’s program incentivizes illegal immigration and bypassed Congress for political purposes. Under the policy, spouses without legal status can apply for “parole in place” to stay in the U.S., apply for a green card, and eventually citizenship. Many Republicans view this as amnesty for those who broke the law and are challenging the program in an election year where immigration is a major issue.
Paxton believes that the program violates the Constitution and worsens the illegal immigration crisis in Texas and the country. The lawsuit accuses the Biden administration of abusing power by attempting to parole spouses en masse. Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody is also challenging the policy, accusing the administration of using “parole” to advance an open-border agenda. The White House vows to vigorously defend the policy, stating that it is designed to keep families of U.S. citizens together and aligns with American values. Applicants must have lived in the U.S. continuously for at least 10 years, pose no security threat, and have been married to a citizen by June 17 to be eligible for the program.
The eligibility requirements for the program involve paying a $580 fee, filling out a detailed application, and providing supporting documents to prove their time in the U.S. If approved, applicants have three years to seek permanent residency and can obtain work authorization during that time. The administration estimates that around 500,000 people could be eligible, along with approximately 50,000 of their children. The Department of Homeland Security will continue to accept and process applications for the program, which aims to simplify the process for obtaining a green card for those married to American citizens. Prior to this program, individuals in the U.S. illegally faced challenges and uncertainties when trying to obtain legal residency through marriage to a citizen.
Despite the opposition from Republican-led states, the Biden administration is committed to defending the program, emphasizing its importance in keeping families together and aligning with fundamental American values. The lawsuit highlights the ongoing political divide over immigration policy and the debate surrounding amnesty for undocumented individuals. The legal battle over the program underscores the complex and often controversial nature of immigration policy in the United States, particularly in relation to citizenship pathways for undocumented immigrants with ties to American citizens. The outcome of the lawsuit will likely have significant implications for the future of immigration policy and the treatment of individuals seeking legal status in the country.
