A federal judge in Texas has temporarily halted President Biden’s new immigration program aimed at protecting undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens from deportation.
The 14-day stay, issued on Monday, comes in response to a lawsuit filed by 16 Republican-led states against the Biden administration.
The “Keeping Families Together” program, which took effect last week, is designed to allow those who have been in the country for at least 10 years to work legally in the U.S. According to the White House, the program could benefit more than 500,000 spouses and 50,000 individuals under 21 whose parents are married to U.S. citizens.
Judge J. Campbell Barker, appointed by former President Donald Trump, stated that “the claims are substantial and warrant closer consideration than the court has been able to afford to date.” The Department of Homeland Security will continue receiving applications, but processing is on hold.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton praised the decision, stating, “This is just the first step. We are going to keep fighting for Texas, our country, and the rule of law.”
The program, which marks the most significant relief for undocumented migrants since the Obama administration’s DACA, remains suspended as the court considers the case.
