Texas Judge Halts Biden's Immigration Reform Policy

A Texas judge has ordered a temporary pause on President Joe Biden's immigration reform policy aimed at streamlining the process for spouses of U.S. citizens to obtain legal status. This decision marks a pivotal setback for one of Biden's major immigration initiatives.

The policy, announced in June 2024, was designed to simplify the pathway to citizenship for an estimated half a million immigrants married to U.S. nationals by removing the requirement that they leave the country during the application process.

Judge J. Campbell Barker granted a 14-day administrative stay in response to a lawsuit brought by Republican attorneys general from 16 states. These states argue that the policy imposes substantial financial burdens on public services such as healthcare, education, and law enforcement. "The claims are substantial and warrant closer consideration than the court has been able to afford to date," wrote Judge Barker in his order.

Despite the suspension, the Department of Homeland Security is still permitted to accept applications for the status. The court has also set an expedited hearing schedule, with the possibility of extending the stay through mid-October.

President Biden's administration has been actively working to address immigration issues, which remain highly divisive among Americans, especially with the upcoming presidential election where Vice President Kamala Harris will face off against Republican Donald Trump.

The Democratic Party is attempting to balance a tougher stance on illegal migration while reforming the inefficient immigration system.

The new rules applied to those present in the country for at least ten years and married to a U.S. citizen before June 17, 2024. It also included an estimated 50,000 stepchildren of U.S. citizens.

Those approved under this policy would be granted work authorization and the right to stay in the United States for up to three years while applying for a green card, which serves as a pathway to full citizenship.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, whose state is part of the case, expressed his determination to continue fighting against the policy. "This is just the first step. We are going to keep fighting for Texas, our country, and the rule of law," he stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter).