Court to hear oral arguments on families’ requests to intervene as defendants in lawsuit on October 10
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEW ORLEANS, LA – Today, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals paused a district court case challenging the Keeping Families Together parole process in the Eastern District of Texas. The Court also extended the pause on grants of parole until October 10, when it will hear oral arguments on Justice Action Center (JAC) and Make the Road New York’s (MRNY) motion to intervene on behalf of 11 directly impacted individuals and the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) members who would benefit from the Keeping Families Together parole process. As litigation continues, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services can continue to accept and review applications for Keeping Families Together parole, but they cannot approve them.
In response, attorneys who represent the potential defendant intervenors issued the following statements:
“Today, the Fifth Circuit set an argument day to consider whether the families whose freedom and futures are at risk with this lawsuit will have a chance to be part of the court proceedings,” said Karen Tumlin, Founder and Director of Justice Action Center. “Our clients deserve the opportunity to share their stories in court and defend a rare chance to stay with their families in the country they call home without risking separation – not just for themselves, but also for the thousands of others across the United States who stand to benefit from Keeping Families Together parole. We remain committed to amplifying their voices in the courtroom and beyond to demonstrate the importance of this lawful and transformative process.”
“Today’s decision is an important step in our tireless fight to keep families together. It reaffirms a simple but powerful truth: that no person should be deprived of the opportunity to be heard when their future is at stake. We are confident that our clients’ voices will breathe life into this case, reminding the court of the profound importance of this parole process, not just for our clients, but for their communities as well,” said Harold Solis, Co-Legal Director for Make The Road New York. “We also recognize that on October 10, Texas will argue two cases that could separate families and end DACA for thousands. With so much at stake, we must continue fighting for their voices to be heard and valued.”
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Justice Action Center (JAC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting for greater justice for immigrant communities by combining litigation and storytelling. JAC is committed to bringing additional litigation resources to address unmet needs, empower clients, and change the corrosive narrative around immigrants in the U.S.
Make the Road New York (MRNY) builds the power of immigrant and working class communities to achieve dignity and justice through organizing, policy innovation, transformative education, and survival services. We have 27,000+ members and operate five community centers in Bushwick, Brooklyn; Jackson Heights, Queens; Port Richmond, Staten Island; Brentwood, Long Island; and White Plains, Westchester County.
