Judge Barker Declares Biden's Plan to Legalize Over 1 Million Undocumented Spouses Illegal

Nov 8, 2024, 01:05 PM

U.S. District Court Judge J. Campbell Barker in Texas has struck down the Biden administration's "Keeping Families Together" program, declaring it unlawful. The program, also known as "parole-in-place," aimed to provide a pathway to citizenship for over 1 million undocumented immigrants married to U.S. citizens and their stepchildren by allowing them to remain in the country while applying for green cards and work permits. The judge ruled that the administration overstepped its authority and violated federal immigration laws. The lawsuit was brought by a coalition of 14 states, including Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador, along with America First Legal. The ruling is a significant defeat for the outgoing Biden administration and impacts mixed-status households seeking family unity.