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The US president's new policy expedited a path to citizenship for almost half a million foreigners married to US natives.
US President Joe Biden speaks to the press on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, US, on February 19, 2024. — Reuters
A Texas judge on Monday halted a measure that would make it easier for wives of US citizens to get legal status in the nation, dealing a blow to one of US President Joe Biden's signature immigration reform initiatives.
Judge J Campbell Barker issued a 14-day administrative stay in a complaint brought by Republican attorneys general from 16 US states contesting the Biden administration's policy.
Judge J Campbell Barker issued a 14-day administrative stay in a complaint brought by Republican attorneys general from 16 US states contesting the Biden administration's policy.
Biden unveiled the new policy in June, which simplified the path to citizenship for an estimated half a million immigrants who are married to US nationals.
However, the 16 states initiating the lawsuit claim that the policy is costing them millions of dollars in public services used by immigrants, including as healthcare, education, and law enforcement.
"The claims are substantial and warrant closer consideration than the court has been able to afford to date," Judge Barker stated in his order.
"This is only the first step. We will continue to fight for Texas, our country, and the rule of law," said Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, whose state is a party in the dispute, in a post on X following the order.
The Biden administration has struggled to confront immigration, a deeply controversial subject for many Americans ahead of the November presidential election, which will pit Vice President Kamala Harris against Republican Donald Trump.
The Democratic Party is trying to strike a balance between being harder on illegal migrants and reforming the country's dysfunctional immigration system.
Trump's presidential campaign has focused on portraying the United States as under attack from what he refers to as a migrant "invasion."
The new regulations would simplify the procedure for those who currently qualify for permanent residence by eliminating the obligation to leave the country as part of the application process.
The regulations extended to people who had been in the country for at least ten years and had married a US citizen before June 17, 2024, as well as an estimated 50,000 stepchildren of US citizens.
Those who are approved will be awarded work authorization and the privilege to remain in the United States for up to three years while applying for a green card, which is a step toward full citizenship.
Department of Homeland Security; The order issued on Monday suspends the awarding of this "parole in place" status, although the Department of Homeland Security continues to collect applications for the status.
Barker; stated that the court did not "express any ultimate conclusions about the success or likely success" of the plaintiffs' case while the stay was in effect.
However, the 16 states initiating the lawsuit claim that the policy is costing them millions of dollars in public services used by immigrants, including as healthcare, education, and law enforcement.
"The claims are substantial and warrant closer consideration than the court has been able to afford to date," Judge Barker stated in his order.
"This is only the first step. We will continue to fight for Texas, our country, and the rule of law," said Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, whose state is a party in the dispute, in a post on X following the order.
The Biden administration has struggled to confront immigration, a deeply controversial subject for many Americans ahead of the November presidential election, which will pit Vice President Kamala Harris against Republican Donald Trump.
The Democratic Party is trying to strike a balance between being harder on illegal migrants and reforming the country's dysfunctional immigration system.
Trump's presidential campaign has focused on portraying the United States as under attack from what he refers to as a migrant "invasion."
The new regulations would simplify the procedure for those who currently qualify for permanent residence by eliminating the obligation to leave the country as part of the application process.
The regulations extended to people who had been in the country for at least ten years and had married a US citizen before June 17, 2024, as well as an estimated 50,000 stepchildren of US citizens.
Those who are approved will be awarded work authorization and the privilege to remain in the United States for up to three years while applying for a green card, which is a step toward full citizenship.
Department of Homeland Security; The order issued on Monday suspends the awarding of this "parole in place" status, although the Department of Homeland Security continues to collect applications for the status.
Barker; stated that the court did not "express any ultimate conclusions about the success or likely success" of the plaintiffs' case while the stay was in effect.
The court set an expedited hearing schedule in the case, but Barker stated that the two-week stay would most certainly be extended while proceedings are underway.
Judge's decree stated; "The court thus expects that good cause may exist to extend this administrative stay for additional periods through mid-October," the judge's decree stated.
Judge's decree stated; "The court thus expects that good cause may exist to extend this administrative stay for additional periods through mid-October," the judge's decree stated.
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