Texas Judge blocks key Biden immigration policy

A federal judge in Texas has temporarily blocked a key immigration policy that would have simplified the process for spouses of U.S. citizens to obtain legal status.

This ruling is a significant setback for President Joe Biden‘s immigration reform efforts.

The policy, introduced in June, aimed to streamline the pathway to citizenship for approximately 500,000 immigrants married to U.S. nationals.

It also extended benefits to an estimated 50,000 stepchildren of U.S. citizens.

However, a lawsuit filed by Republican attorneys general from 16 states challenged the policy, arguing that it would impose significant costs on their states.

Judge J. Campbell Barker granted a 14-day administrative stay, halting the implementation of the policy.

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Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is leading the lawsuit, celebrated the decision, stating that it is just the beginning of their fight against the policy.

The Justice Action Center, an immigrant rights group, strongly criticized the judge’s ruling, arguing that it is unjustified and harmful to thousands of families.

The group has filed a motion to intervene in the lawsuit to defend the program.