I lean towards the theory that they periodically check in and assess our progress.
We probably had some eras with more positive interaction and other were we really screw the pooch and comms get cut off.
My guess is the MIL has a line of communication that they maintain with the aliens, BUT they had to deny it and keep it secret.
Why?
Because the MIL probably explained to the aliens that an ancient cabal of devil worshippers run the world right now and give us time to root then out before going public this time around.
If they disclosed it why the cabal are still around they may gain access to whatever the aliens gave us (tech etc) and we’d be PROPER FUCKED.