ECNETNews, NEW YORK, NY, Tues. August 27, 2024: A federal judge in Texas has issued a temporary halt to a Biden administration program that aimed to provide a path to legalization for up to 500,000 undocumented immigrants who are married to U.S. citizens. This ruling follows legal action from 16 Republican-led states that challenged the program.
The stay was granted by a judge from the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, which pauses the approval process for the initiative that had just begun accepting applications. The court will review the legal aspects raised in the lawsuit, focusing on the extent of the executive branch’s power to shape immigration policy without congressional consent.
The initiative, known as Keeping Families Together, is designed to simplify the legalization process for undocumented immigrants who have resided in the U.S. for over a decade and are married to American citizens. Under existing laws, these individuals are required to return to their home countries to complete the green card process, often resulting in significant family separations. This new initiative permits them to remain in the U.S. while their applications are processed, offering a form of “parole” that protects them from deportation and provides work authorization.
States leading the lawsuit contend that the program represents an “amnesty” for undocumented immigrants, potentially straining state resources. The Texas Attorney General is at the forefront of this legal challenge, reflecting ongoing Republican opposition to the administration’s immigration policies.
Immigrant advocacy groups have criticized the ruling, arguing it compromises economic stability and impacts families that have been in the U.S. for years. Legal-aid organizations have noted a surge in demand, with thousands of individuals seeking assistance in the program’s inaugural week.
The suspension of the program will remain in effect for 14 days while both parties prepare additional submissions to the court.
