Federal Judge Temporarily Halts Biden’s Immigration Program in Wake of Lawsuit by 16 States

Federal Judge Halts Biden’s Immigration Program Amid Lawsuit

A federal judge has put a temporary stop to a new immigration program announced by the Biden administration. The program, known as “parole in place,” was designed to allow certain illegal immigrant spouses of U.S. citizens to apply for permanent residency without having to leave the country. This decision comes after a lawsuit was filed by 16 states led by Texas.

The Ruling

On Monday, U.S. District Judge J. Campbell Barker issued a stay on the program, which was first introduced in June. The judge’s ruling means that the new immigration policy is on hold as the lawsuit proceeds. At the heart of the lawsuit is the claim that the program violates federal law. The states involved argue that illegal immigrants cannot receive immigration benefits without first leaving the country and being readmitted.

Background of the Program

The “parole in place” program was meant to address the challenges many families face due to immigration laws. It aimed to allow the spouses of U.S. citizens, who have unlawful immigration status, to apply for “humanitarian parole.” This would grant them a pathway to permanent residency after living in the U.S. for at least ten years, provided they do not pose a security or safety threat.

According to estimates from the administration, the program could benefit around 500,000 illegal immigrant spouses and about 50,000 children. The goal was to reduce the fear and uncertainty families experience due to currently existing requirements for their partners to leave the country.

Opposition from Republican States

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, leading the charge against the program, commented on the ruling. He stated that the initiative by the Biden administration would reward over a million illegal immigrants with citizenship opportunities after they had allegedly broken U.S. laws. “This is just the first step. We are going to keep fighting for Texas, our country, and the rule of law,” he said.

Stephen Miller, president of America First Legal, echoed his sentiments, referring to the ruling as a “huge victory” in their battle against what he described as an “unconstitutional mass amnesty.” The lawsuit argues that the use of parole has been improperly extended and is supposed to be reserved for exceptional cases.

Response from the Biden Administration

In response to the lawsuit, the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees immigration policy, promised to continue defending the program in court. A spokesperson stated, “Keeping Families Together is grounded in well-established legal authority,” emphasizing their commitment to family unity.

The White House criticized the lawsuit, accusing Republican leaders of prioritizing political moves over the well-being of American families. They argued that the legal challenge aims to keep families in fear and separation, going against core American values.

Next Steps and Implications

The stay imposed by Judge Barker is currently set to last for two weeks but can be extended. The judge noted that the arguments presented are substantial and require careful consideration. The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for many families waiting for a resolution regarding their immigration status.

As of now, the Department of Homeland Security continues to process applications that have already been filed under the program. However, new applications are on hold pending the resolution of this legal battle.

Conclusion

The legal dispute surrounding the “parole in place” program illustrates the complexities of U.S. immigration policy and the ongoing divides between federal and state authorities. With the future of the program still uncertain, many families are left waiting in a state of anxiety about what comes next.