Federal Judge’s Recent Decision Halts Key Immigration Proposal

A federal judge in Texas has blocked the Biden administration’s plan to grant legal status to undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens, dealing a significant blow to the administration’s immigration reform efforts.

At a Glance

Federal judge temporarily halts Biden’s “Keeping Families Together” program
Program aimed to benefit an estimated 500,000 undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens
16 Republican-led states challenged the policy, claiming it misuses immigration parole authority
Department of Homeland Security has stopped approving cases but will continue accepting applications

Judge’s Ruling Halts Biden’s Immigration Initiative

U.S. District Judge J. Campbell Barker has issued a temporary order blocking the Biden administration’s program known as “Keeping Families Together.” This initiative, which began last week, aimed to provide legal status to unauthorized immigrants married to American citizens. The ruling came in response to a lawsuit filed by 16 Republican-led states, challenging the new policy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1crJOFdZLM

The program would have allowed undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens to apply for temporary work permits and deportation protections. To be eligible, applicants needed to have lived in the U.S. for at least 10 years, pass background checks, and be married to a U.S. citizen. The initiative also included undocumented stepchildren of U.S. citizens but excluded those with felony convictions.

A judge blocked the Biden administration from granting legal status to spouses of U.S. citizens under a new program. https://t.co/ra0mds0Kl8

— CBS News (@CBSNews) August 27, 2024

Republican States Challenge Biden’s Policy

The lawsuit, led by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, argues that the Biden administration’s policy misuses immigration parole authority and violates congressional laws. Paxton celebrated the ruling, claiming it prevents rewarding illegal aliens with citizenship opportunities.

“Biden’s unconstitutional scheme would have rewarded over one million illegal aliens with the opportunity for citizenship after breaking our country’s laws – and incentivized countless more.” – Ken Paxton https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/aug/27/judge-blocks-parole-in-place-immigration

Critics of the program argue that it offers amnesty for illegal immigrants, while proponents maintain that it keeps families together. The Biden administration contends that the initiative promotes family unity, a fundamental American value.

Impact on Mixed-Status Families

The ruling has caused anguish and frustration among immigrants hoping to benefit from the program. Under current law, undocumented immigrants who entered the country illegally must leave and re-enter legally to obtain a green card, which can trigger a 3- or 10-year ban from the United States. The “Keeping Families Together” program aimed to provide a streamlined pathway to permanent residency and eventual U.S. citizenship for eligible immigrants without requiring them to leave the country.

“Keeping Families Together enables U.S. citizens and their family members to live without fear of separation, consistent with fundamental American values,” Ketudat said. “The Department of Homeland Security will comply with the court’s decision, including continuing to accept applications, while we defend Keeping Families Together in court.” https://www.cbsnews.com/news/immigration-judge-blocks-biden-administration-from-granting-legal-status-to-spouses-of-u-s-citizens/

Immigration advocates have criticized the ruling, stating it could separate mixed-status families for years or permanently. The Department of Homeland Security has stopped approving cases under the program but will continue accepting applications while defending the policy in court.