16 States vs. Biden Over Biden’s New Immigration Parole Program.

In a dramatic legal clash, sixteen states have filed a lawsuit against the Biden administration, contesting its new immigration parole program. The program, introduced in June 2024, aims to shield certain illegal immigrants from deportation, but critics argue it circumvents existing laws and could lead to widespread legal and political repercussions.

The lawsuit is the contention that the program violates the Immigration and Nationality Act. The states, led by Texas, assert that the program—designed to grant parole to illegal immigrants married to U.S. citizens—exceeds the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) statutory authority. They argue that parole should be granted only on a case-by-case basis and primarily to those outside the U.S., not to individuals already residing in the country unlawfully.

The program’s critics, including Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, claim it effectively provides a path to citizenship for over one million immigrants who initially entered the country illegally. This, they argue, undermines the rule of law and exacerbates existing immigration challenges.

The Biden administration, however, defends the program as a means to keep families together, citing humanitarian reasons and legal precedents that support the use of parole for those already in the U.S. DHS emphasizes that the program is grounded in established legal authority and aims to prevent family separations.

The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Tyler, Texas, seeks to block the program temporarily and ultimately halt its implementation. It represents a significant confrontation between state and federal authorities over immigration policy, with broad implications for future administrative actions and the ongoing debate over U.S. immigration reform.

The program, which began accepting applications on August 19, 2024, is estimated to affect around 550,000 spouses and 50,000 children of illegal immigrants. Supporters of the program, like Senator Alex Padilla, argue that it offers a necessary relief for mixed-status families, allowing them to remain united and plan for their futures without fear.

As this legal battle unfolds, the nation watches closely to see how it will impact both immigration policy and the broader political landscape.