Federal Judge Overturns Immigration Policy for Spouses

A federal judge in Texas, J. Campbell Barker, has struck down a Biden administration policy designed to facilitate pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants married to U.S. citizens, affecting around 500,000 people. The policy, known as 'Keeping Families Together,' allowed eligible individuals to apply for green cards without leaving the country, a significant shift from previous requirements. Barker ruled that the Biden administration exceeded its statutory authority, a decision backed by several Republican-led states that argued the program would impose financial burdens on public services. The ruling comes shortly after Donald Trump's electoral victory, raising concerns about future immigration policies under his administration, which promises a crackdown on undocumented individuals. Advocates for immigrant families expressed disappointment, noting that the ruling undermines years of effort to provide stability to families living under uncertainty. With Trump's return to office anticipated, further restrictions on immigration policy are expected.