Texas Judge Temporarily Blocks New Immigration Policy

 

On August 26, a Texas judge issued a temporary injunction halting a new policy intended to expedite legal status for spouses of U.S. citizens.

The policy, introduced by President Joe Biden in June, was designed to streamline the citizenship process for approximately half a million immigrants married to U.S. nationals. It also included provisions for about 50,000 stepchildren of U.S. citizens. The initiative aimed to allow eligible immigrants to remain in the U.S. while applying for a green card, avoiding the need to leave the country during the process.

Judge J. Campbell Barker granted a 14-day administrative stay in response to a lawsuit filed by the Republican attorneys general of 16 states. These states argue that the policy imposes significant financial burdens due to increased costs in public services such as healthcare, education, and law enforcement.

“The claims are substantial and warrant closer consideration than the court has been able to afford to date,” Judge Barker noted in his ruling.

Despite the stay, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will continue to accept applications under the new policy but will not process or approve them until the stay is lifted. USCIS confirmed that applications approved before the issuance of the stay would not be affected.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a leading figure in the case, praised the decision on social media and vowed to "continue fighting for Texas, our country, and the rule of law."

The Biden administration’s immigration reforms, part of a broader effort to address illegal immigration while updating the immigration system, have faced significant opposition, particularly with the upcoming presidential election. Former President Donald Trump has campaigned on a platform criticizing current immigration policies, framing them as detrimental to national security.

Immigrant rights advocates condemned the court’s decision. Karen Tumlin, founder of the Justice Action Center, labeled the ruling as an "extreme measure" that unfairly impacts thousands of families. The Justice Action Center has filed a motion to intervene in the lawsuit to support the policy.

As the legal proceedings continue, the possibility of an extension to the stay adds uncertainty to the future of Biden's immigration reform efforts.