TL/DR –
A federal judge has permitted the Biden administration to maintain a program that provides temporary legal status to citizens of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. Republican-led states, including Texas, had sued the administration to stop this ‘humanitarian parole’ program, arguing that it has resulted in additional costs for healthcare, education, and law enforcement. However, the judge decided in favor of the administration, stating that these states had not proven they were adversely affected by the program, especially considering that the number of nationals from these countries entering the US has decreased significantly since the program’s implementation.
Biden Administration’s Humanitarian Parole Program Continues
A federal judge permitted the Biden administration’s humanitarian parole program to persist, offering temporary legal status to citizens from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. Despite facing criticism for his approach to border management, Judge Drew B. Tipton sided with the administration, dismissing claims from Texas and other Republican-led states.
Homeland Security Response
Alejandro N. Mayorkas, Homeland Security Secretary, praised the decision, as it aids efforts to address the high level of migration throughout the hemisphere.
Texas Challenges Ruling
The ruling has not been taken lightly by Texas, which has filed numerous lawsuits against the Biden administration in an attempt to influence immigration policy. States like Florida, Tennessee, and Arkansas also joined the lawsuit, arguing that the program burdens them with additional costs. However, the judge dismissed their claims, citing a decrease in border crossings since the program’s initiation.
The Impact of the Program
With nearly 360,000 approvals by January’s end, the program gives nationals of designated countries a two-year parole period to live and work in the US, provided they have a financial sponsor. Legal professionals, such as Monika Y. Langarica, senior staff attorney for the Center for Immigration Law and Policy at the U.C.L.A. School of Law, have hailed the decision as a victory against Texas’ attempt to dictate national immigration policy.
Supreme Court Involvement and Parole Authority History
The Supreme Court overturned a 2022 decision last summer, influencing this case’s outcome by indicating states must prove they are adversely impacted by a policy before suing. The ruling has been acknowledged as a significant success for the Biden administration by policy director at the American Immigration Council, Aaron Reichlin-Melnick.
Introduction of the Humanitarian Parole Program
The humanitarian parole program, introduced in late 2022 for Venezuelans and later for Cubans, Haitians, and Nicaraguans in January 2023, aims to discourage illegal border crossings by providing a legal pathway from their home countries. Various sponsors, such as Nan Langowitz, have welcomed these newcomers and expressed delight at this latest ruling.
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