President Joe Biden has condemned the suspension of the Parole in Place (PIP) program, asserting that the United States is not a country that separates families. "A single district court in Texas ruled that my administration's efforts to keep families together must stop. That ruling is wrong. Families should not be needlessly separated; they should be able to stay together. My Administration will not stop fighting for them," he stated in a post on X.
In a statement released by the White House, the president added that his administration announced new measures in June to keep families united by facilitating a path to residency for foreign spouses of U.S. citizens who have been living in the country for 10 years or more. The measure took effect on August 19, when the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) launched the new immigration process. This initiative is aimed at thousands of undocumented immigrants who meet specific criteria and could be one step closer to obtaining residency in the United States.
The PIP program is designed to consider, on a case-by-case basis, the applications of individuals who are married to U.S. citizens, have resided in the United States for 10 years or more, and do not pose a threat to public or national security. "These marriages, where one spouse is a U.S. citizen and the other has been living in the U.S. for ten years or more, include our neighbors who have been working, raising families, paying taxes, worshipping with us, and sending their kids to school. They have become our friends, our neighbors, and our coworkers. They are the parents of our children's best friends. They have become invaluable contributors to our communities. They make us a better country," Biden expressed.
He explained that his proposal would allow these long-term residents to submit documentation along with their families. However, without the Keeping Families Together process, the spouses of U.S. citizens will not be able to remain in the United States while obtaining the long-term legal status for which they are already eligible.
Nonetheless, last night a district court in Texas ruled that the program must be halted, to which Biden responded, "I am not interested in playing politics with the border or immigration; I am interested in solving problems."
He criticized that blocking the initiative would force individuals either to leave their families in the United States or to live in the shadows with the constant fear of deportation. "I am also not interested in separating families. That is not who we are as Americans. I will continue fighting to secure our border and fix our broken immigration system," Biden assured.
The Parole in Place program could grant temporary legal status to about 500,000 immigrants and 50,000 minors.
Understanding the Suspension of Parole in Place and its Impact
In light of recent developments regarding the suspension of the Parole in Place program, here are some frequently asked questions and answers to provide further clarity on the issue.
What is the Parole in Place (PIP) program?
The Parole in Place program is designed to allow certain undocumented immigrants who are married to U.S. citizens to apply for legal residency without having to leave the United States.
Why was the PIP program suspended?
The program was suspended following a ruling by a district court in Texas, which ordered the halt of the initiative.
How many people are affected by the suspension of PIP?
Approximately 500,000 immigrants and 50,000 minors could be affected by the suspension of the Parole in Place program.
What is the stance of President Biden on this matter?
President Biden has criticized the court's decision, emphasizing that families should not be separated and that his administration will continue to fight for the program.