Texas judge suspends Biden immigration reform policy

A Texas federal judge temporarily blocked a key immigration policy on Monday that aimed to simplify the legal status process for spouses of U.S. citizens.

This marks a significant setback for one of President Joe Biden's major immigration reforms.

Judge J. Campbell Barker issued a 14-day administrative stay following a lawsuit filed by Republican attorneys general from 16 states. 

These states argue that the policy, introduced by the Biden administration in June, is costing them millions in public services, such as healthcare, education, and law enforcement.

In his order, Judge Barker stated, "The claims are substantial and warrant closer consideration than the court has been able to afford to date."

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, whose state is part of the lawsuit, responded to the ruling on social media, saying, "This is just the first step. We are going to keep fighting for Texas, our country, and the rule of law."

The blocked policy was designed to provide a more streamlined pathway to citizenship for approximately 500,000 immigrants married to U.S. nationals, removing the requirement that they leave the country during the application process. 

It also extended to an estimated 50,000 stepchildren of U.S. citizens, allowing them to stay in the country and receive work authorization while applying for a green card.

Despite the ruling, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, USCIS confirmed it would continue to accept applications, though none would be approved until the stay is lifted. 

"The District Court’s administrative stay order does not affect any applications that were approved before the administrative stay order was issued," USCIS said in a statement.

The Justice Action Center, an immigrant rights group, criticized the order, calling it an extreme measure.

“To halt a process for which Texas has not been able to provide an iota of evidence that it would harm the state is baffling,” said group founder Karen Tumlin.

“This is heartbreaking for our clients and the thousands of couples who hope to benefit from this process and be able to live without fear that their family will be separated.”

The Justice Action Center earlier Tuesday filed a motion seeking to intervene in the lawsuit to defend the program.