Texas Judge Halts Biden Plan for Immigrant Spouses

A federal judge in Texas has temporarily halted the Biden administration's "Keeping Families Together" program, which aimed to provide legal status and work authorization to undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens who have been in the country for at least 10 years. The decision comes in response to a lawsuit filed by 16 Republican-led states, including Texas, which argued that the policy encourages illegal immigration and imposes financial burdens on states.

The program, which took effect last week, would allow these spouses to stay in the U.S. while their applications for legal status are processed. The Department of Homeland Security can continue receiving applications but cannot process them due to the 14-day stay issued by the judge. Critics of the program argue that it amounts to amnesty for undocumented immigrants, while supporters contend it helps keep families together and benefits thousands of Texas families.

The Biden administration estimates that approximately 500,000 people could benefit from the program. The judge's ruling does not stop immigrants from applying but prevents the government from granting parole under the program until further judicial review. A final decision on the program could come before the next presidential election or the inauguration of a new president.