Illinois AG joins brief backing Keeping Families Together immigration parole program

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul has joined a coalition of 20 state attorneys general in filing an amicus brief in federal court to support the federal Keeping Families Together (KFT) program.

The KFT program, announced by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in August 2024, would allow certain undocumented spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens who are already living in the United States to apply for a discretionary grant of immigration parole.

If parole is granted, the family members could apply for permanent residence without first leaving the United States. In the brief, the coalition argues that the federal government has the authority to create and run immigration parole programs, and that the goal of family unity has long been part of U.S. immigration policy.

Raoul’s filing was made in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. The coalition says keeping families together can benefit not only the families themselves, but also communities and local economies.

This is a court filing, not a final decision. For the most accurate and up-to-date details about the program and any legal developments, readers should check the official KFT materials from DHS and the court docket referenced by the attorneys general.