AUSTIN, TX — On the implementation of parole in place for spouses of U.S. citizens on August 19, Texas business and industry leaders issued a joint statement today in support of these affirmative relief actions to protect Texas’ families, economy, and workforce.

In a joint statement on the implementation of these policies, Katie Ferrier, vice president of public policy and economic development at the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, Taylor Landin, executive vice president and chief policy officer at the Greater Houston Partnership, Mia Romero, vice president of advocacy and government affairs at the El Paso Chamber, Daniel Silva, president and CEO of the Rio Grande Valley Partnership, Chris Wallace, president and CEO of the North Texas Commission, and Justin Yancy, president of the Texas Business Leadership Council, said:

“As applications open for the expansion of parole in place to benefit the spouses of U.S. citizens, we celebrate and recognize the benefits of this policy change to the Lone Star State’s families, economy, and workforce.

“We commend this action as a crucial step forward not only for Texas families but also for the Texas economy. Parole for spouses of U.S. citizens will provide many Texans, who have already lived in and contributed here for at least a decade, with temporary deportation protections, as well as the ability to apply for legal work authorization as they pursue lawful permanent residency. This will help keep mixed status families together and support our workforce.

“As final eligibility requirements for this program are announced today, recent analyses indicate there are an estimated 110,000 undocumented individuals married to U.S. citizens in Texas who need this type of relief. On average, these eligible individuals have been in the U.S. for 22 years. The majority of them are in the labor force and working in shorthanded industries. Further, these protections could add $1.5 billion to our economy and over half a million in taxes annually, benefiting all Texans as well as the 317,000 U.S. citizens living with one of these eligible individuals.

“Commonsense policies like this recognize immigrants’ integral role in Texas’ economy and communities, and the moral imperative to protect families. As our state and our nation strive to lead in a rapidly evolving global economy, such measures are not just beneficial – they are essential. We look forward to seeing the implementation of this policy and seeing how it stands to benefit our state for years to come.”

To learn more about the expanded parole in place policies, click here.

About FWD.us: FWD.us is a bipartisan political organization that believes America’s families, communities, and economy thrive when more individuals are able to achieve their full potential. For too long, our broken immigration and criminal justice systems have locked too many people out of the American dream. Founded by leaders in the technology and business communities, we seek to grow and galvanize political support to break through partisan gridlock and achieve meaningful reforms. Together, we can move America forward.

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