Judge Temporarily Blocks Biden’s Immigration Program for Spouses

A U.S. judge has maintained a temporary block on President Biden’s immigration program aimed at legalizing immigrant spouses of U.S. citizens. The pause continues through Sept. 23 to allow for further legal review. The program faces opposition from Texas and other Republican-led states, questioning its legality.

A U.S. judge on Wednesday upheld a temporary block on President Joe Biden's program to legalize immigrant spouses of U.S. citizens. The decision, handed down by Texas-based U.S. District Judge J. Campbell Barker, maintains the suspension until Sept. 23, allowing time for further legal briefings and a potential hearing.

Last month, the Biden administration launched the Keeping Families Together program, which offers a path to citizenship for approximately 500,000 immigrants who entered the U.S. illegally if they are married to U.S. citizens. However, Texas and a coalition of Republican-led states filed a lawsuit to halt the program, arguing that it exceeded the executive branch's authority and bypassed U.S. immigration law.

President Biden had announced the initiative in June before stepping out of the presidential race against Republican Donald Trump, allowing Vice President Kamala Harris to become the Democratic nominee. Immigration remains a critical voter issue as the Nov. 5 election approaches, according to Reuters/Ipsos polling.

The Keeping Families Together program provides a citizenship pathway for immigrant spouses with at least 10 years of U.S. residence, preventing them from facing lengthy absences before returning legally. It also grants around 50,000 children under 21 with a U.S.-citizen parent temporary 'parole' status, leading to potential citizenship.

America First Legal, led by Trump advisor Stephen Miller, supports the lawsuit in collaboration with Texas and 15 other Republican-led states.

(With inputs from agencies.)