A recent ruling by Judge J. Campbell Barker has blocked the Keeping Families Together (KFT) program, an initiative aimed at protecting mixed-status families, particularly those of Caribbean immigrants, from the threat of deportation. The KFT program, introduced by the Biden-Harris administration, intended to create a pathway for undocumented spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens, allowing them to live and work in the United States without fear of family separation.
Current Legal Framework and KFT Program
The KFT program was designed to address gaps in the current immigration system:
- Parole in Place: Provided an option for undocumented immigrants married to U.S. citizens, or their stepchildren, to adjust their status without leaving the country, supporting family unity.
- Work Authorization: By securing parole, applicants were eligible to apply for work permits and pursue a path toward permanent residency.
- Eligibility Criteria: Applicants needed to have lived in the U.S. for at least 10 years and meet certain residency and legal requirements, focusing on those with strong family ties and contributions to the community.
Impact of the Ruling and Expected Changes
With the recent ruling, the KFT program is indefinitely blocked, which has significant implications: • Family Separation: The halt places thousands of mixed-status families in legal uncertainty, with individuals at risk of deportation despite being integral to American families. • Limited Legal Avenues: Without the KFT program, eligible immigrants face longer, uncertain processes, often requiring prolonged separation from family members. • Pushback from Advocates: Organizations like the New York Immigration Coalition and the American Immigration Lawyers Association are calling for an appeal, emphasizing that parole authority has historically promoted family unity.
Murad Awawdeh of NYIC criticized the ruling as “a blow to American families,” stressing that it disregards family unity, a core value of the immigration system. With appeals likely on the horizon, immigrant advocates continue to press for policies that uphold protection and unity for immigrant families.
