Federal Judge Blocks Biden Administration’s Plan for Legal Status of Undocumented Spouses.
At a Glance
- A federal judge in Texas temporarily blocked the Biden administration from granting legal status to unauthorized immigrants married to American citizens.
- The ruling was in response to a request from 16 Republican-led states challenging the new policy.
- District Court Judge J. Campbell Barker’s order halts the immigration program known as Keeping Families Together.
- The program aimed to benefit an estimated half a million immigrants living in the U.S. without legal status.
- The policy allows unauthorized immigrants married to U.S. citizens to apply for temporary work permits and deportation protections.
Federal Judge Halts Biden’s Immigration Program
A federal judge has put a stop to the Biden administration’s initiative designed to grant legal status to undocumented spouses of American citizens. District Court Judge J. Campbell Barker issued an order halting the immigration program known as Keeping Families Together, just a week after it was implemented. The program was created to simplify and humanize the immigration process for families of mixed legal status. The immediate impact of this decision will be felt by numerous families, further complicating an already contentious landscape.
The ruling came in response to a lawsuit from 16 Republican-led states challenging the new policy. Led by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, the complaint argued that the Biden administration’s initiative misuses immigration parole authority, a claim that the Department of Homeland Security disputes. DHS spokesperson Naree Ketudat noted, “Keeping Families Together enables U.S. citizens and their family members to live without fear of separation, consistent with fundamental American values.” The DHS has indicated it will continue to accept applications while complying with the court’s decision.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1crJOFdZLM
This ruling underscores the ongoing battle between the federal government and states over immigration policy. The judge’s order is valid for 14 days but may be extended based on further legal arguments. Immigration advocates have criticized the ruling, fearing it will lead to extended or permanent separation for mixed-status families. Judge Barker stated, “The claims are substantial and warrant closer consideration than the court has been able to afford to date.”
Judge blocks Biden administration from granting legal status to spouses of U.S. citizens https://t.co/8Y8itr9Fjo
— CBS News Texas (@CBSNewsTexas) August 27, 2024
Legal and Political Battle over Immigration Policy
The Keeping Families Together program was a significant move towards immigration reform by the Biden administration. The policy aimed to offer temporary work permits and deportation protections to unauthorized immigrants married to U.S. citizens who have been in the country for at least ten years and can pass background checks. This program, which also includes undocumented stepchildren but excludes those with felony convictions, provides a more streamlined pathway to permanent residency and eventual U.S. citizenship.
“This is just the first step. We are going to keep fighting for Texas, our country, and the rule of law,” Texas Attorney General Paxton remarked. The ruling highlights the ongoing debate between promoting family unity and allegedly rewarding illegal immigration. Immigration critics argue that the policy amounts to an amnesty program for illegal immigrants, while supporters claim it keeps families together and promotes humane treatment.
Impact on Families and Immigration Policy
As DHS stopped approving cases under the program but continues accepting applications, many families find themselves in a legal limbo. The Biden administration has indicated its commitment to defending the policy in court, yet the future of the Keeping Families Together program remains uncertain. The policy was set to benefit over 500,000 spouses and 50,000 under-aged stepchildren, making it one of the most significant immigration initiatives since the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program in 2012.
“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.”
The White House anticipated that up to half a million people would be eligible under the program. Despite the legal challenges, the administration views the initiative as a pivotal part of its immigration strategy. Polls reveal that immigration remains a key concern for voters, particularly as the country heads into the 2024 presidential election.
Critics of the ruling have positioned it as an “extreme measure” that could result in irreparable harm. On the other hand, proponents celebrate the decision as a win for upholding the rule of law and ensuring that immigration processes adhere to congressional mandates. The battle over this program and other immigration policies is likely to continue as both sides prepare for the next round of legal arguments.
