A federal judge has ruled against a Biden administration program intended to provide a pathway to legal status and eventual U.S. citizenship for unauthorized immigrants married to American citizens, declaring it unlawful.
Judge J. Campbell Barker of the U.S. District Court, appointed by former President Donald Trump, ruled that the program, known as Keeping Families Together, conflicts with U.S. immigration laws.
Texas and a coalition of Republican-led states challenged the initiative, arguing it exceeded the administration’s authority. This decision represents a setback for the Biden administration, which had promoted the policy as a way to maintain family unity for mixed-status households.
Announced earlier this year, the Keeping Families Together initiative could have potentially benefited around 500,000 undocumented immigrants by granting them work permits, protection from deportation, and an opportunity to apply for permanent residency (green cards) if they have lived in the U.S. for a minimum of ten years and have no serious criminal record.
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After obtaining a green card, immigrants married to U.S. citizens would become eligible to apply for citizenship within three years.
Although the Justice Department has the option to appeal, Trump, as the incoming president, has committed to reversing Biden’s immigration policies. Trump has also pledged to reinforce the U.S.-Mexico border, militarize its security, and initiate a large-scale deportation campaign.
Source: LIB