Show-Me State Times

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey announced today that his office, along with 16 other states, has filed a lawsuit against the Biden-Harris Administration’s “parole in place” (PIP) rule. The rule would allow millions of illegal immigrants to bypass existing laws and obtain permanent residency. Last night, the Court ruled against the program, pausing its implementation while litigation continues.

“Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have created a crisis at the southern border, leaving the American people to pay the consequences. In the wake of the federal government’s refusal to act, states like Missouri have no choice but to step in and take action to secure our southern border,” said Attorney General Bailey. “We filed suit to remind the Biden-Harris Administration that they do not have the authority to allow millions of unvetted aliens into our communities. I’m glad the Court recognized that, too.”

The PIP program would permit aliens who have been unlawfully present in the United States for ten or more years to receive a grant of “parole” without leaving the country and reapplying for admission at a port of entry if they are spouses or stepchildren of U.S. citizens.

Biden’s Department of Homeland Security asserts it has “unfettered discretion” over who can enter the nation without consulting Congress. The new program could enable more than 1.3 million illegal immigrants already in the states to apply for permanent residency. The attorneys general argue in their complaint that Congress has not authorized such mass amnesty for illegal aliens.

The lawsuit claims that the PIP program is unconstitutional and requests that the Court block it. The Court has granted an administrative stay, halting the program during ongoing litigation.

Attorney General Bailey joined forces with Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, North Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Wyoming, and America First Legal in filing this lawsuit.