The Biden administration has reached a long-awaited settlement in a landmark class-action lawsuit brought by the ACLU and migrant families separated at the U.S.-Mexico border under former President Trump. If approved, the settlement will bar the federal government from enforcing a blanket policy to separate migrant families for at least the next eight years — only allowing the practice under limited circumstances. The deal also includes relief for migrants affected by Trump’s “zero tolerance” policy, including permission to remain in the United States, access to legal services and work permits, medical and mental healthcare for families dealing with trauma, and housing benefits.

The ACLU said at least 4,500 children and their families will be impacted by the settlement. ACLU lead attorney Lee Gelernt said in a statement, “While no one would ever claim that this settlement can wholly fix the harm intentionally caused to these little children, it is an essential beginning.” President Biden has himself faced backlash over harsh border and immigration policies which have also led to the separation of asylum-seeking families. Click here to see our coverage.