Federal Judge Blocks Biden Administration’s Immigration Policy
A federal district judge in Texas has issued a temporary order preventing the Biden administration from providing legal status to undocumented immigrants married to American citizens. This decision stems from a lawsuit filed by 16 Republican-led states challenging the recently announced immigration policy.
Impact on the New Immigration Program
Judge J. Campbell Barker’s ruling halts a significant immigration initiative, known as the Keeping Families Together program, which was launched just the previous week and was expected to benefit around 500,000 unauthorized immigrants. This program was one of the key policy shifts by President Biden regarding immigration, a critical issue as the U.S. approaches the 2024 presidential election.
Details of the Keeping Families Together Initiative
The Keeping Families Together program allows unauthorized spouses of U.S. citizens, as well as their undocumented stepchildren, to apply for temporary work permits and deportation protections. Eligibility requires applicants to have resided in the U.S. for at least 10 years, pass background checks, and meet certain conditions, including the absence of felony convictions.
Most notably, the program provides a potential pathway to permanent residency and eventual citizenship for eligible individuals, aiming to support family unity amidst a complex immigration landscape.
Legal Challenges and Political Responses
While supporters argue that this initiative promotes familial cohesion and aligns with American values, the states challenging the policy assert it sends the wrong message about illegal immigration. They contend that the program misuses the immigration parole authority and encourages further illegal entry into the United States.
Court’s Administrative Order and Reactions
Judge Barker, appointed by former President Donald Trump, has temporarily barred the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from granting immigration paroles under the new policy, although the order is currently set for a duration of 14 days. Furthermore, while approvals have been halted, DHS officials can still accept applications during this period.
DHS spokesperson Naree Ketudat confirmed on Tuesday that the agency had begun complying with the court’s decision, yet reiterated their commitment to defending the policy. “Keeping Families Together enables U.S. citizens and their family members to live without fear of separation,” Ketudat remarked.
