A federal judge in Texas has issued a temporary halt on the Biden administration’s new immigration program that aims to protect undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens from deportation.
This 14-day stay, issued on Monday, follows a lawsuit by 16 Republican-led states challenging the “Keeping Families Together” program.
The program, which began last week, is designed to assist those who have lived in the U.S. for at least 10 years by allowing them to work legally and apply for permanent residency.
The White House had estimated that over 500,000 spouses and 50,000 young people under 21 could benefit from this initiative.
The program’s suspension marks a significant moment as it represents the most substantial relief effort for undocumented migrants since the Obama administration’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program in 2012.
Under the suspended program, eligible undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens would have three years to apply for permanent residency and obtain a three-year work permit without needing to leave the country.
Judge J. Campbell Barker, appointed by former President Donald Trump, cited the need for “closer consideration” of the case as the reason for the temporary halt.
While the Department of Homeland Security can still receive applications, they cannot process them during this period.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton praised the order, stating, “This is just the first step. We are going to keep fighting for Texas, our country, and the rule of law.”
Critics of the program argue that it grants amnesty to migrants who entered the country illegally, while supporters believe it will help keep families together, unlike the previous system that “separates families.”
Source-BBC
