A U.S. District Judge in Texas has ruled against President Joe Biden’s immigration program that aimed to provide a path to citizenship for certain immigrant spouses of U.S. citizens. The decision, made on Thursday, could prevent the initiative, known as “Keeping Families Together,” from proceeding during the remainder of Biden’s presidency. The program was designed to offer citizenship to approximately 500,000 immigrants who entered the U.S. illegally but are married to U.S. citizens.
The judge, J. Campbell Barker, found that the program exceeded Biden’s executive authority, a significant setback for the administration. The initiative was launched in August but was blocked by Barker just days later, as he considered a legal challenge filed by Texas and a coalition of Republican-led states.
Why Was the Program Blocked?
Judge Barker’s ruling emphasized that the program overstepped the bounds of executive power. It aimed to provide legal status to immigrants who had entered the country without authorization but were married to U.S. citizens. This decision has sparked a legal battle, with the Biden administration possibly planning to appeal. However, with the political landscape shifting following the recent presidential election, the future of the program remains uncertain.
What Happens After the Election?
In the aftermath of the election, where Republican candidate Donald Trump defeated Vice President Kamala Harris, immigration is expected to be a major focus of the new administration. Trump, known for his hardline stance on immigration, has made it clear that he intends to take aggressive actions on the issue. His administration is likely to attempt to reverse Biden’s immigration policies, including the program for immigrant spouses, which Trump’s campaign had criticized as a “mass amnesty.”
What Do Americans Think About Immigration?
A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll found that a significant portion of Americans views immigration as the most urgent issue for Trump to address once he assumes office in January. Many believe that Trump will implement mass deportations of individuals living in the U.S. illegally, further intensifying the immigration debate.
Could the Biden Administration Appeal?
While the White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment, the Biden administration has the option to appeal the ruling. If the appeal is successful, the program could potentially be revived, but for now, the legal challenges and the shifting political dynamics leave its future in limbo.
The ruling against Biden’s immigration program represents a significant legal challenge to his efforts to reform U.S. immigration policy. The outcome of the appeal, if filed, and the policies of the incoming Trump administration will likely shape the future of immigration laws and the status of immigrant spouses in the U.S. as the country enters a new phase of political leadership.