The US Court of Appeals for the First Circuit has ruled against the Trump administration’s attempt to revoke the temporary legal status of hundreds of thousands of parolees living in the United States. This decision affects individuals from Ukraine, Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, who were granted temporary legal status under the “Keeping Families Together” program initiated during Joe Biden’s presidency.
The ruling arises from a class action lawsuit, which was instrumental in challenging the administration’s efforts to terminate these parole processes. Initially, a Massachusetts court had granted emergency relief, stalling the termination of these processes. The First Circuit followed up by addressing the statutory limitations under § 1182(d)(5)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, ruling that the Secretary of Homeland Security cannot terminate parole on a broad basis but rather must do so case-by-case.
The court’s decision reflects a careful interpretation of the legislation, particularly focusing on the use of singular wording within the statute, suggesting individual assessments over categorical determinations. The ruling is significant in the context of ongoing efforts by the Trump administration to alter immigration policies, including a broader crackdown on immigration and deportation. There remains the possibility that the administration may seek further judicial review, potentially from the US Supreme Court.
For more details, the original article is available on JURIST.