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A federal judge in Texas has temporarily halted the new immigration program of President Joe Biden protecting undocumented spouses of US citizens from deportation.
BBC reports that sixteen Repunlican-led states has sued the Biden administration over 5he program.
The “Keeping Families Together” program began last week. It would apply to those who have been in the country for at least ten years and allow them to work legally. Immigration is a primary concern for many voters in the approaching November elections.
After the White House announced the program ìn June, officials said over 500,000 spouses would be eligible. The announcement marked the most crucial relief program for undocumented migrants already in the US since the Obama administration announced the “Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals in 2012.
Under the program, undocumented spouses of US citizens who had lived in the country for a decade and were married as of 17 June would qualify. Those who qualify will have three years to apply for permanent residency and will be eligible for a three-year work permit.
In the old system, applicants must leave the US to apply for permanent residency. However, the new plan would allow them to remain in the country as they seek legal status.
Judge J Campbell Barker put 5he plan on hold for two weeks pending consideration of the case. Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security cam continue receiving applications but cannot process them.
In his order, judge Baker, who was appointed by former President Donald Trump, wrote, “The claims are substantial and warrant closer consideration than the court has been able to afford to date.”
The Attorney General 9f Texas, Ken Paxton, supported the order. On social media, he wrote, “This is just the first step. We are going to keep fighting for Texas, our country, and the rule of law.”
It is a case of different strokes for different folks as far as various groups are concerned. While critics 9f the plan feel it will grant amnesty to migrants who entered the country illegally, supporters of the plan feel it will allow families to remain together, and that the old system separates families
