Judge blocks Biden administration from granting legal status to immigrant spouses of U.S. citizens

A federal judge in Texas, J. Campbell Barker, temporarily blocked the Biden administration’s new immigration policy, “Keeping Families Together,” which aimed to grant legal status to unauthorized immigrants married to U.S. citizens. This policy launched just a week ago, was designed to help an estimated half a million immigrants who have lived in the U.S. for over 10 years by offering temporary work permits, deportation protections, and a streamlined path to permanent residency and citizenship. However, 16 Republican-led states challenged the policy, arguing it rewarded illegal immigration and misused immigration parole authority. The judge’s order halts the approval of applications under this policy for 14 days, although the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can still accept applications. DHS has confirmed it will comply with the ruling while defending the policy in court.