The Parole in Place (PIP) — or Keep Family Together — program, recently approved by the Biden administration, represents a beacon of hope for more than 500,000 undocumented immigrants who have built their lives in the United States. This initiative allows spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens, who have been residing in the country for over a decade and have maintained a clean criminal record, to apply for legal status. If approved, they can adjust their status and achieve the stability and legality they have long sought.
The program officially launched on August 19, 2024, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) beginning to accept applications. For many, this was a moment of immense hope, as it promised to expedite the process of legal status adjustment without the need to leave the country. However, this hope was short-lived. On August 26, 2024, 16 states, led by Texas, filed a lawsuit to halt the program. Fortunately, Utah is not included in the lawsuit. The court’s decision to put the program on hold has left many in limbo, with USCIS still receiving but not processing applications.
Having fled Venezuela six years ago to escape a totalitarian regime, I understand the anguish and uncertainty of living without legal status. I was fortunate to adjust my status through asylum and become a permanent resident, but millions of undocumented immigrants still hold onto the hope of one day achieving the same. These individuals, many of whom have lived in the U.S. since childhood, deserve the opportunity to legalize their status and continue contributing to the country they call home.
The current U.S. immigration policy has played with the hopes of many, using them for political purposes. The administration’s approach has allowed millions to enter the southern border without adequate control, exacerbating the existing procedural backlog and creating programs that, while beneficial, are vulnerable to legal challenges. This has led to widespread discouragement, uncertainty and despair among immigrants.
As someone who works at a law firm specializing in immigration, I witnessed firsthand the excitement and subsequent disappointment this program brought. We were optimistic that we could help many of our clients, who are honest, hardworking individuals contributing to Utah’s and the country’s growth. These clients are taxpayers and law-abiding residents, deserving of the stability that legal status would bring.
The Republican Party’s actions, including threats of mass deportations, have further instilled fear in the immigrant population. This fear is used as a tool to maintain power, but it comes at a significant human cost. Immigrants have long served as vital human capital for the United States, striving to achieve the American dream — a dream that now seems increasingly out of reach.
These struggles have sown division, fostering hatred and mistrust among different communities. We fail to recognize the damage this inflicts on society. We must remember that we are all equal and have the same rights. The mistakes of a few should not unjustly penalize the many who have worked hard to adapt and contribute to this country.
The Parole in Place or Keep Family Together program is not just a policy; it is a lifeline for many immigrants who have built their lives in Utah and in the United States. It is a step towards recognizing their contributions and providing them with the stability they deserve.
It is time to stop playing with the hopes of millions and work towards a fair and compassionate immigration system that benefits all.
(Gabrielle Pacheco) Gabrielle Pacheco is a political science student at Salt Lake Community College.
Gabrielle Pacheco is a political science student at Salt Lake Community College. She works for a law firm in South Jordan.
The Salt Lake Tribune is committed to creating a space where Utahns can share ideas, perspectives and solutions that move our state forward. We rely on your insight to do this. Find out how to share your opinion here, and email us at voices@sltrib.com.
