A federal judge in Texas has issued a temporary order blocking a new immigration program from the Biden administration that could protect hundreds of thousands of undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens from deportation. The 14-day stay was issued in response to a lawsuit by 16 Republican-led states challenging the program.
The “Keeping Families Together” program, which started last week, would apply to those who have been in the country for at least 10 years and would allow them to work legally in the U.S. Polls show that immigration is a key concern for many voters ahead of the upcoming presidential election.
When the White House announced the program in June, officials said that more than 500,000 spouses would be eligible. The policy would also benefit 50,000 people under 21 whose parent is married to a U.S. citizen.
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This announcement was the most significant relief program for undocumented migrants in the U.S. since the Obama administration’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) in 2012. The now-temporarily suspended program would have allowed undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens to qualify if they had lived in the country for at least a decade and were married as of June 17.
The judge ruled that the administration’s plan exceeded its authority and did not follow proper legal procedures. This ruling temporarily halts the policy, pausing the new procedures that would have allowed certain visa holders’ spouses to enter the U.S. more easily.
The Biden administration introduced the policy to alleviate the hardships faced by families separated due to immigration delays. Officials argued that the policy would improve the quality of life for many migrant families and streamline administrative processes. However, opponents raised concerns about potential loopholes and the administrative burden of the changes.
The ruling has sparked mixed reactions. Supporters of the policy argue that it is essential for maintaining family unity and supporting immigrants’ well-being. Critics, however, believe the administration should respect judicial decisions and ensure new policies align with established legal frameworks. Some argue that this ruling highlights the need for more comprehensive immigration reform.
The Biden administration has expressed disappointment with the court’s decision but has indicated that it will review the ruling and explore its options. The Department of Homeland Security and other relevant agencies are expected to provide further guidance on the ruling’s impact and any necessary interim measures.
As the legal landscape evolves, the future of the administration’s policy and its effects on migrant families remain uncertain. The ruling underscores the complex relationship between immigration policy, legal interpretations, and efforts to address family unity within the U.S. immigration system.
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