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Texas Matters: State Allowing Adoptions For Undocumented Parents

ACLU of Texas

Texas has taken a hard line against immigrants who are in the state illegally. Under the direction of Governor Greg Abbott, the state sued the Obama administration over the president’s executive action to overhaul immigration policy so that it would shield some from deportation and allow them to work legally in the nation. The case was heard earlier in April by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Texas State Solicitor General Scott Keller argued to the 8 justices that it’s critical that the rule of law prevail and there is no discretionary use of authority when it comes to enforcement of immigration law.

However, that line of reasoning is not being followed by Texas itself when it comes to adoptions. Texas is allowing people who are in the country without immigration authorization to become adoptive parents.

The policy was first reported by the Chronicle of Social Change. John Kelly is an editor and one of the reporters who broke the story.

They reported that Texas Child Protective Services is allowing people who are in the country without authority are adopting children from the state system. We contacted the Texas Department of Family and Protective services which oversees CPS for reaction. They had no comment.

David Martin Davies can be reached at dmdavies@tpr.org and on Twitter at @DavidMartinDavi