Under a settlement unveiled Monday, the United States will give migrant families separated at the U.S.-Mexico border under President Donald Trump temporary legal status and other benefits while banning similar separations in the future.

The agreement currently covers some During Trump’s administration, 3,900 children were separated from their parents. (2017-2021), according to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), which represents families separated in a lawsuit first filed in 2018.

It is estimated that between 500 and 1000 children remain separated and the number covered by the agreement is likely to increase, the ACLU said.

The pledge is part of ongoing efforts by Democratic President Joe Biden’s administration to reunite separated families. zero tolerance policy Trump, introduced in 2018 and calling for prosecution of anyone who crossed the border without permission.

Government observers and immigration advocates found that separation began before and continued after the policy officially began.

The deal will be subject to the approval of a U.S. District Judge. Trump, the favorite to become Republican presidential candidate in 2024criticized Biden’s management of border security and vowed to pursue tough immigration policies if he is reelected.

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said Monday’s deal demonstrates the Biden administration’s commitment to reunifying families and praised cooperation with human rights groups. “to condemn the cruelty of the past.”

The agreement allows families who were separated during the Trump era to apply. temporary legal status for three years and work permit, and apply for asylum with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, according to court documents.

Additionally, it would prohibit the government from enforcing any policy that results in mass child separation for eight years, but would allow exceptions for reasons of national security, criminal detention orders, medical emergencies or if the safety of a child is at risk .

As part of the agreement covering health services, separated families will have access to assistance in temporary residence for a period of one year, according to court documents. In 2022, Reuters reported that many reunited families faced homelessness.

ACLU attorney Lee Gelernt called the agreement ““a critical step to help thousands of families”.