Opinion: Republicans’ lawsuit against the Biden-Harris Keeping Families Together program threatens Nevada’s immigrant communities

Republican’s shameful summer lawsuit trying to block the Biden-Harris Keeping Families Together program is a direct attack on the unity and security of immigrant families in our nation. This program offers a crucial, humane pathway for undocumented spouses and children of US citizens, allowing them to live together in safety under a parole-in-place policy that provides temporary legal status and work authorization. 

At its core, this policy was created to prevent heartbreaking family separations and support the basic American value of keeping families together. The lawsuit’s impact is especially concerning in Nevada, where immigrant communities, especially Latino and Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) families, are the backbone of our state’s cultural and economic fabric. 

This lawsuit is a clear manifestation of the GOP’s ongoing efforts to separate families, dismantle critical support systems, and undermine the very essence of what makes Nevada strong: our diversity and commitment to community.

The implications of this lawsuit extend far beyond the courtroom; they cast a shadow over the upcoming election. The GOP is sending a chilling message to immigrant families in Nevada and across the country that their stability, safety, and very existence are at risk, now and in November. It is a stark reminder that the fight for family unity will be determined by who we choose to lead.

Nevada’s immigrant population is vast and varied. Nearly 20% of our state’s residents are foreign-born, with significant contributions from both the Latino and AAPI communities. Latinos make up 30% of Nevada’s population, with many families having deep roots in the state, contributing to industries ranging from hospitality to agriculture. Meanwhile, the AAPI community represents over 9% of our state’s population. These communities have built their lives, businesses, and families here, contributing to the growth and vibrancy of Nevada.

Programs like Keeping Families Together are vital to ensuring that these immigrant families remain united, protected, and supported. For many Latino and AAPI families, the threat of separation is a constant fear, exacerbated by years of discriminatory immigration policies and rhetoric. The Keeping Families Together program was designed to provide these families with a sense of security and the resources they need to thrive without the looming threat of being torn apart.

The Republican lawsuit against this program is not just an attack on a specific policy—it’s an attack on the very concept of family unity. And, the lawsuit is out of touch with the American People’s ideals. A recent Global Strategy Group and BSP research poll found that 82% of battleground voters and 86% of Latino battleground voters support pathways to citizenship. And divisive rhetoric of extremist Republicans around the border is deeply unpopular with a majority of battleground voters (58% oppose), especially Latinos (69% oppose).  

This legal challenge against Keeping Families Together is particularly damaging to AAPI communities in Nevada, where family ties are central to cultural identity and community life. For generations, these communities have weathered the storms of exclusion, discrimination, and economic hardship, all while maintaining strong family bonds. The Keeping Families Together program aligns with these values, offering a lifeline to families who have faced the brunt of harsh immigration enforcement policies. By attempting to dismantle this program, Republicans are directly targeting what sustains and strengthens our immigrant communities.

In this election, only the Harris-Walz ticket will stand firm in their commitment to American families. Nevada’s strength lies in its diversity and in the contributions of its immigrant communities. The Latino and AAPI families who call this state home are integral to its future, and we must protect the programs that keep these families together. A vote for Harris-Walz is a vote to ensure that our state will continue to be a place where all families, regardless of their background, can live without the fear of separation.