A Texas judge has temporarily halted a key immigration policy from the Biden administration that aims to expedite legal status for the spouses of U.S. citizens.
The 14-day administrative stay, issued Monday by Judge J. Campbell Barker, responds to a lawsuit filed by the Republican attorneys general of 16 states.
The plaintiffs argue that the policy, introduced in June, imposes significant costs on public services such as healthcare, education, and law enforcement.
The Biden administration’s policy could potentially benefit around half a million immigrants married to U.S. nationals by simplifying their path to citizenship.
However, the legal challenge claims these benefits come at a steep financial burden for the states involved.
In his order, Judge Barker acknowledged the seriousness of the states’ claims, stating they “warrant closer consideration than the court has been able to afford to date.”
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, whose state is a party to the case, expressed determination to continue the legal battle, emphasizing the importance of the issue for Texas and the nation.
The Biden administration’s handling of immigration remains a contentious topic as the November presidential election approaches, with Vice President Kamala Harris set to face Republican challenger Donald Trump.
The Democrats are under pressure to balance enforcement against illegal immigration with efforts to reform the immigration system, while Trump continues to push a hardline stance, characterizing immigration as a “migrant invasion.”