A federal judge in the United States has issued a temporary injunction preventing the government from proceeding with its plan to end the family reunification program under 'parole', an immigration policy that allows relatives of citizens and legal residents to enter the country with temporary authorization.
The court decision responds to a lawsuit from immigrant advocacy organizations, which argued that abruptly ending the program would expose thousands of people to immediate deportation and separate families who depend on this status to be legally in the country.
The program affects citizens and residents of several countries, including Colombia, Cuba, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Haiti, among others, who had applied for parole to reunite with family members in the U.S. The judge's ruling orders that the program remain in operation while the legality of the government's attempt to cancel it is reviewed.
Justice Department officials announced they will appeal the decision, arguing that the administration has the authority to review and adjust immigration policies based on its national security priorities. Activists warn the case could reach the Supreme Court if a final ruling is not reached in the lower courts.