Judge blocks Biden’s plan to grant legal status to immigrant spouses of U.S. citizens

Washington : Apna Punjab media : A federal judge in Texas has temporarily blocked the Biden administration from granting legal status to undocumented immigrants married to U.S. citizens, following a legal challenge by 16 Republican-led states. The order from District Court Judge J. Campbell Barker halts the Keeping Families Together program, which aimed to provide temporary work permits, deportation protections, and a streamlined pathway to permanent residency for eligible immigrants. The program, announced in June, was designed to address the precarious status of undocumented immigrants who have lived in the U.S. for years. It was intended to help them remain with their U.S. citizen spouses and stepchildren without fear of deportation, provided they meet certain criteria, including having lived in the country for at least 10 years and passing background checks. However, those with felony convictions were excluded from the program.
The ruling could have a significant impact on Haitian immigrants in the United States. Many Haitians have found themselves in legal limbo, with thousands potentially eligible for relief under the now-halted program. The decision leaves these individuals uncertain about their ability to remain in the U.S. and protect their families from separation. Judge Barker’s ruling, although preliminary, represents a significant setback for the Biden administration’s efforts to reform immigration policy. The judge’s order is set to last for 14 days, but he indicated that it could be extended. Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is allowed to continue accepting applications for the program, though it cannot approve them.