U.S. District Judge J. Campbell Barker has issued an administrative stay temporarily halting a Biden administration program designed to provide legal status to immigrant spouses of U.S. citizens. The program, announced in June, aims to benefit an estimated 500,000 immigrants and approximately 50,000 children by allowing them to apply for a green card and remain in the U.S. during the process, instead of facing years-long separations abroad.
The stay comes after 16 states, led by Republican attorneys general, filed a lawsuit challenging the program, accusing the administration of bypassing Congress for political purposes. Texas, one of the leading states in the lawsuit, claims the program imposes significant financial burdens on the state, including costs related to healthcare and law enforcement.
Judge Barker, appointed by former President Donald Trump, cited the need for closer examination of the substantial claims made in the lawsuit. The stay is set to last for two weeks but could be extended, with both sides required to submit briefs by October 10. A final decision is expected before the upcoming presidential election in November.
Jessica Cisneros of the Texas Immigration Law Council expressed concern over the ruling, calling it “devastating” for thousands of Texas families who could have benefited from the program. Meanwhile, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton praised the decision, vowing to continue fighting against the policy.
The Department of Homeland Security has yet to comment on the ruling.
