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Federal Judge Blocks Biden’s Citizenship Plan for Undocumented Spouses
A federal judge has ruled against President Joe Biden’s initiative to create a pathway to U.S. citizenship for undocumented immigrants married to American citizens. U.S. District Court Judge Campbell Barker, appointed by Donald Trump, determined that the administration lacked the legal authority to implement the program without congressional approval.
The decision came in response to a lawsuit from 16 Republican-led states, which argued that the plan circumvented Congress. Judge Barker had initially placed a temporary hold on the program shortly after its introduction in August.
In response, the White House expressed strong disagreement, stating that it was reviewing the decision. “This ruling sides with Republican state officials who are seeking to force U.S. citizens and their families… to either separate or live in the shadows in constant fear of deportation,” said White House spokesman Angelo Fernández Hernández. He affirmed that the administration remains committed to keeping American families together.
The Department of Homeland Security shared its disappointment, emphasizing that the Keeping Families Together program aligns with established legal principles and American values.
America First Legal, a Trump-aligned group involved in the lawsuit, celebrated the ruling.
The Keeping Families Together program was designed to allow undocumented immigrants who have been in the U.S. for at least ten years and are married to U.S. citizens to obtain green cards without leaving the country. After three years, these residents would be eligible to apply for citizenship.
The Biden administration estimated that the plan could benefit around 500,000 undocumented immigrants. While an appeal remains possible, the ruling is expected to stand as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to assume office, having vowed to overhaul U.S. immigration policies and initiate mass deportations.