A US judge has extended the temporary block on the Biden Administration’s “Keeping Families Together Parole in Place (KFT PIP)” policy.

Temporary Block Extended

The KFT PIP program, which aims to provide a citizenship path for nearly 500,000 undocumented immigrants married to US citizens, is now subject to an extended pause until September 23, 2024. During this period, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) can still accept applications for Parole in Place requests under Keeping Families Together, although it cannot approve them.

The extension allows for more time to review the policy’s legality, following a lawsuit by 16 Republican-led states, which claim the program is unconstitutional. The legal challenge argues the policy worsens illegal immigration and creates financial burdens for states, while supporters emphasize its humanitarian value.

A decision on the case is expected after October 10, 2024.

The policy, an expansion of “parole in place,” would allow undocumented spouses and stepchildren of US citizens to stay in the US and potentially apply for green cards without leaving the country. Under the expanded program, eligibility requires continuous US residency for at least 10 years, marriage to a US citizen by June 17, 2024, and no criminal disqualifications.

Eligible individuals can still apply without penalty, although no decisions will be made until the outcome of the legal challenge has decided.