Marrying an illegal does not guarantee that the U.S. citizen spouse will assist the migrant in remaining in the country. A federal judge overturns Biden’s immigration program, affecting half a million illegal immigrants and sparking political backlash. U.S. District Judge John Campbell Barker ruled that Biden’s “parole in place” program was illegal. The program’s goal was to provide legal status to undocumented spouses of US citizens. 16 Republican-led states challenged the program in a lawsuit.
Judge Blocks Biden’s Immigration Program
U.S. District Judge John Campbell Barker has struck down a Biden administration program designed to provide legal status to illegal immigrants married to American citizens. The program, known as “parole in place” or “Keeping Families Together,” was deemed illegal by Judge Barker, who ruled that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) lacked the statutory authority to grant such parole.
The program, which was supposed to affect approximately 550,000 illegal immigrants, was halted in August. It aimed to provide work permits, deportation protections, and a pathway to permanent residency and citizenship for eligible immigrants. The decision comes in response to a lawsuit filed by Texas and 15 other Republican-led states challenging the Biden administration’s authority to carry out such a program.
BREAKING: A federal judge rules against President Biden's immigration program for spouses of U.S. citizens. https://t.co/b2zza4UCNq
— CBS News (@CBSNews) November 8, 2024
States Challenge Biden’s Immigration Policy
The lawsuit against the Biden administration’s program was led by 16 states, including Texas, Idaho, and Alabama. Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey was particularly outspoken in his criticism of the federal government’s handling of the Southern Border.
“Joe Biden and Kamala Harris created a crisis at the southern border, leaving the American people to pay the consequences. In the wake of the federal government’s refusal to act, states like Missouri had no choice but to step in and take action to secure our southern border. We filed suit to ensure millions of unvetted individuals are not invading our communities.” – Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey
America First Legal, an organization involved in the lawsuit, praised the blocking of the program, describing it as a potential “administrative amnesty.” The ruling highlights the ongoing tension between state and federal authorities regarding immigration policy and border security.
A federal court just struck down Biden’s parole program designed to reunite U.S. citizens with immigrant spouses, citing it as unlawful. This decision sheds light on the ongoing impact of the 1996 IIRIRA, which imposed harsh penalties like the 3/10-year bars and clearly did not… https://t.co/ZjZ5w4E8hb
— Emily Neumann (@immigrationgirl) November 8, 2024
Political Implications and Future of Immigration Reform
The decision to block Biden’s immigration program has serious political ramifications, especially as the country approaches the next presidential election. Donald Trump, a vocal critic of the program, has promised to revoke it if re-elected and crack down on illegal immigration.
“Crooked Joe’s actions today constitute an illegal, unconstitutional amnesty that has received no approval from Congress, the courts, or the American people. When I am re-elected, Joe Biden’s illegal amnesty plan will be ripped up and thrown out on the first day we return to office.” – Donald Trump
While the Justice Department may appeal the decision, the program faces significant challenges from both the judicial system and potential changes in leadership. The decision highlights the complexities of immigration reform in the United States, as well as the ongoing debate over how to strike a balance between family unity and border security.
