Florida has joined seven other states in a lawsuit challenging the Biden administration’s reinstatement of a policy that allows illegal immigrants to bring members of their families to the U.S. even if those family members do not qualify for refugee status under U.S. law.
Some of those illegal immigrants take up residence in several states including Florida, said Gov. Ron DeSantis.
“Not only are these illegal aliens allowed free reign in this country, but the administration also pushes the burden and costs onto the states and ignores the consequences of its policies,” he said.
Under the Central American Minors (CAM) Program, foreign nationals from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras many of whom are in the U.S. illegally bring their children including those who are 21 years of age, and other family members into the country, even if they do not qualify for asylum or refugee status here.
The policy was rescinded by the Trump administration and recently reinstated by Biden.
On Jan. 28, Attorney’s General from Texas, Indiana, Missouri, Montana, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Alaska, and Florida filed a complaint in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas Amarillo Division challenging the reinstatement of the CAM program on grounds that it is unlawful and burdens State economies, public safety, social programming, education and medical care in U.S. states.
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody signed up on the complaint after visiting Texas and being briefed by Border Patrol personnel there.
The lawsuit is pending.
