A federal judge in Texas has temporarily stopped a new immigration program from the Biden administration. This program, called “Keeping Families Together,” aims to protect hundreds of thousands of undocumented spouses of US citizens from deportation.
The 14-day pause was ordered on Monday after 16 Republican-led states sued the Biden administration over the program. The program, which started last week, would allow those who have been in the US for at least 10 years to work legally.
Polls show immigration is a major concern for voters as the November presidential election approaches.
Texas Judge Temporarily Blocks Biden’s Immigration Program Aimed at Protecting Undocumented Spouses(Biden Administration)
In June, the White House announced a new immigration program expected to help over 500,000 undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens. It also aims to assist 50,000 young people under 21 with an American parent. This program is the biggest relief effort for undocumented migrants since the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) was introduced in 2012.
Under the suspended program, undocumented spouses who have lived in the U.S. for at least 10 years and were married as of June 17 would be eligible. They would have three years to apply for permanent residency and receive a three-year work permit. Unlike the previous system, which required them to leave the U.S., this plan allows them to stay while seeking legal status.
A Texas judge, J. Campbell Barker, has temporarily blocked the program for two weeks while the court reviews the case. The Department of Homeland Security can still receive applications but cannot process them during this time. Judge Barker stated that the claims are significant and need more consideration.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton supported the judge’s decision, promising to continue challenging the program. Critics argue that it grants amnesty to illegal migrants, while supporters believe it helps keep families together and corrects a system that separates families.