Trial begins over Biden administration immigration policy

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A woman greets her nephew as he arrives in the United States from Haiti. Associated Press/Photo by Jim Rassol

Trial begins over Biden administration immigration policy

A federal judge in Texas on Thursday heard arguments in a lawsuit against a Biden administration humanitarian parole program. The system allows up to 30,000 people from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela to enter the United States each month. Texas is leading the lawsuit filed by 21 states to stop the program, arguing that the administration overreached its authority. The trial is scheduled to last through Friday.

How does the program work? Immigrants must apply online in their home country and have an American financial sponsor. If approved, they can stay in the United States for two years and get a work permit. The program started in 2022 for Venezuelans and expanded in January. The U.S. Justice Department says the program has reduced migration to the southern border.

Dig deeper: Read Addie Offereins’ report in Compassion about a proposed bipartisan immigration bill.

Lauren Canterberry

Lauren Canterberry is a reporter for WORLD. She graduated from the World Journalism Institute and the University of Georgia with a degree in journalism, both in 2017. She worked as a local reporter in Texas and now lives in Georgia with her husband.