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Monday, November 4, 2024

Coalition supports keeping families together program amid legal challenge

State AG
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Attorney General Letitia James | Ballotpedia

New York Attorney General Letitia James has spearheaded a coalition of 20 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief in the case of Texas v. DHS. The brief supports the federal "Keeping Families Together" program, which permits certain undocumented spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens to apply for permanent residence. Filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, the document argues that the federal government holds the authority to implement this program to maintain family unity.

Attorney General James emphasized, “Tearing families apart because of their immigration status is incredibly cruel,” and highlighted that the program offers mixed-status families a path to citizenship without fear of separation. She described it as "a common-sense policy" and stated her commitment to supporting mixed-status families in New York and across the nation.

In August 2024, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security introduced a process under which specific undocumented family members residing in the United States can apply for a discretionary grant of immigration parole through Keeping Families Together. This allows them to seek permanent residence without leaving the country first.

The coalition's brief asserts that federal authorities are empowered to establish and execute immigration parole programs. It references historical examples of similar programs to demonstrate this authority and underscores that maintaining family unity has long been central to U.S. immigration policy, benefiting families, communities, and local economies alike.

Attorneys general from Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia have joined Attorney General James in submitting this brief.

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