A Texas federal judge ruled against President Joe Biden’s immigration program on Thursday, potentially blocking the initiative for the remainder of Biden’s presidency. U.S. District Judge J. Campbell Barker determined that the program, which would provide a path to citizenship for certain immigrant spouses of U.S. citizens, exceeded Biden’s executive authority.
The program, known as Keeping Families Together, was launched in August to help about 500,000 immigrants who entered the U.S. illegally but are married to U.S. citizens. However, just days after its launch, Judge Barker temporarily blocked the initiative while he considered a legal challenge from Texas and a coalition of states led by Republican attorneys general.
Biden first announced the initiative in June, ahead of his presidential campaign exit, which ultimately paved the way for Vice President Kamala Harris to face off against Republican Donald Trump in the race. Following Trump’s election victory, many expect him to pursue an aggressive immigration agenda, including rolling back Biden’s programs. Trump’s campaign had criticized Biden’s plan, calling it a “mass amnesty” that would encourage illegal immigration.
The ruling comes at a time when Americans see immigration as one of the most pressing issues for the incoming administration. A Reuters/Ipsos poll, which closed on Thursday, found that a large majority of Americans anticipate Trump will order mass deportations of people living in the U.S. illegally once he takes office in January.
The Biden administration has the option to appeal Thursday’s ruling. The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
