A federal judge in Texas has issued an order temporarily halting a new immigration program from the Biden White House aimed at protecting hundreds of thousands of undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens from deportation.
This 14-day stay, effective from Monday, responds to a lawsuit filed by 16 Republican-led states against the Biden administration. The program, dubbed “Keeping Families Together,” was designed to benefit those who have resided in the U.S. for at least a decade, offering them legal work status. Its introduction was seen as a significant move in immigration policy, potentially affecting over 500,000 spouses and 50,000 of their children under 21.
This initiative, the most substantial relief for undocumented immigrants since DACA in 2012, allows eligible spouses to apply for permanent residency without leaving the U.S., a departure from previous requirements. However, Judge J. Campbell Barker, appointed by former President Donald Trump, issued this administrative stay, pausing the program’s implementation while the court reviews the case. Although applications can still be submitted, they won’t be processed during this period.
Judge Barker’s decision cites the need for further consideration of the states’ claims, which argue that the program bypasses Congress’s role in setting immigration policy. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, among the program’s critics, celebrated the order, emphasizing a commitment to fight for what he perceives as the rule of law. Critics view the program as a form of amnesty for illegal entry, while supporters highlight its role in maintaining family unity, arguing that the previous system unnecessarily separated families.
This judicial intervention comes at a politically charged time, with immigration being a pivotal issue in the upcoming presidential election, reflecting broader debates on immigration policy, family values, and legal versus executive authority in the U.S.
