Afederal judge in Texas has issued a temporary injunction halting the Biden administration’s new immigration initiative, which officials claim could shield hundreds of thousands of undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens from deportation.
The 14-day stay, issued on Monday, follows a lawsuit filed by 16 Republican-led states challenging the new program.
The “Keeping Families Together” initiative, which went into effect last week, targets undocumented spouses who have resided in the U.S. for a minimum of 10 years and provides them with legal work authorization.
Immigration remains a pivotal issue for many voters as the November presidential election approaches.
The White House had announced in June that the program could potentially benefit over 500,000 spouses. Additionally, it is expected to assist around 50,000 individuals under 21 whose parents are married to American citizens.
This new program represents the most substantial relief measure for undocumented migrants in the U.S. since the Obama administration introduced the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) in 2012.
Under the suspended program, undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens would be eligible if they have lived in the U.S. for at least a decade and were married as of June 17. Those who meet these criteria would have three years to apply for permanent residency and could obtain a three-year work permit.
Unlike the previous system, which required applicants to leave the U.S. to apply, the new plan permits them to stay in the country while seeking legal status.
Judge J. Campbell Barker’s ruling on Monday temporarily pauses the program for two weeks while the court reviews the case, with the possibility of an extension.
The Department of Homeland Security can continue to accept applications but is prohibited from processing them during this period.
Judge Barker, who was appointed by former President Donald Trump, stated in his order, “The claims are significant and require more detailed examination than the court has managed to provide so far.”
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton welcomed the ruling, declaring on social media: “This is just the beginning. We will continue to fight for Texas, our nation, and the rule of law.”
Critics of the Biden administration’s plan contend that it effectively grants amnesty to individuals who entered the country unlawfully. Supporters argue that it helps keep families together, contrasting with the old system which they believe separates families.