Texas judge halts Biden administration’s immigration reform policy

Texas judge halts Biden administration’s immigration reform policy

A Texas judge has temporarily halted a major immigration reform policy introduced by President Joe Biden, impacting the streamlined process for spouses of U.S. citizens seeking legal status.

On Monday, Judge J. Campbell Barker granted a 14-day administrative stay in response to a lawsuit filed by the Republican attorneys general of 16 states challenging the policy.

The policy, announced in June, aimed to simplify the path to citizenship for approximately half a million immigrants married to U.S. nationals by removing a requirement for them to leave the country during their application process.

The new rules also extended to about 50,000 stepchildren of U.S. citizens, allowing them to stay in the U.S. for up to three years while applying for a green card.

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The 16 states involved in the lawsuit argue that the policy imposes significant costs on public services such as healthcare, education, and law enforcement. Judge Barker noted that the claims warrant further consideration, stating, “The claims are substantial and warrant closer consideration than the court has been able to afford to date.”

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton expressed determination to continue the fight, emphasizing the legal and financial concerns raised by the policy. “We are going to keep fighting for Texas, our country, and the rule of law,” he stated on social media platform X.

The Biden administration is grappling with immigration issues as it prepares for the November presidential election, where Vice President Kamala Harris will face Republican Donald Trump.

The administration is striving to balance stricter measures on illegal immigration with reforms to the existing system.

The policy’s suspension, while temporarily halting the “parole in place” status for new applicants, does not stop the government from processing applications already submitted. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) confirmed it will continue to accept new applications but will not grant any until the stay is lifted.

Immigrant rights groups, including the Justice Action Center, have criticized the ruling as an “extreme measure.” Karen Tumlin, founder of the Justice Action Center, argued that there is no evidence showing harm to the state and labeled the halt as “heartbreaking” for the couples affected.

The court’s decision does not reflect a final judgment on the case, and the stay may be extended as proceedings continue.

An expedited hearing schedule has been set, but the future of the policy remains uncertain as legal arguments unfold.

Texas judge halts Biden administration’s immigration reform policy