A court in Texas has ordered a temporary pause on a policy that restricts the process for spouses of US citizens to obtain legal status in the country.
This new development serves as a big blow to one of US President Joe Biden’s biggest immigration reform policies.
Judge Campbell Barker granted a 14-day administrative stay in a case brought by the Republican attorneys general of 16 US states challenging the Biden administration’s policy.
In June, Biden announced the new policy, which streamlined a pathway to citizenship for an estimated half a million immigrants married to US nationals.
According to the 16 states, they claim that the policy is costing them millions of dollars in public services including healthcare, education and law enforcement used by the immigrants.
The new rules would streamline the process for those who already qualify for permanent residence by removing a requirement that they leave the country as part of the application process.
This is applicable to those in the country for at least 10 years and married to a US citizen before June 17, 2024, and also applied to an estimated 50,000 stepchildren of US citizens.
Those approved would be granted work authorization and the right to stay in the United States for up to three years while they apply for a green card, which is a pathway to full citizenship.
