Texas Judge Orders Pause On Joe Biden’s Immigration Policy Reform

A Texas judge on Monday temporarily blocked a policy aimed at simplifying legal status for spouses of US citizens, impacting a major immigration reform by President Biden. Judge J Campbell Barker granted a 14-day stay following a lawsuit from 16 Republican attorneys general challenging the policy.

Announced in June, the policy sought to ease citizenship for around half a million immigrants married to US nationals. The 16 states suing argue that the policy is imposing millions in costs for public services, such as healthcare, education, and law enforcement.

Judge Barker noted that these claims are significant and need further examination. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, involved in the case, declared that this is just the beginning and vowed to continue fighting for Texas, the country, and the rule of law in a post on X.

The Biden administration faces challenges in handling immigration, a contentious issue ahead of the November presidential election, where Vice President Kamala Harris will compete against Republican Donald Trump.

The Democratic Party is balancing the need for stricter measures on illegal immigration with efforts to reform the inefficient immigration system. Trump’s campaign portrays the US as being attacked by a migrant “invasion.”

The new rules aim to simplify the process for individuals already eligible for permanent residence by eliminating the need for them to leave the country during the application. The rules apply to those present in the US for at least 10 years and married to a US citizen before June 17, 2024, as well as about 50,000 stepchildren of US citizens.

Approved applicants would receive work authorization and the right to stay in the US for up to three years while applying for a green card, leading to full citizenship. Monday’s ruling halts the granting of “parole in place” status but allows the Department of Homeland Security to continue accepting applications.

Judge Barker stated that the court has not yet determined the likely success of the plaintiffs’ case during the stay. An expedited hearing schedule has been set, and the two-week stay may be extended as proceedings continue.