Federal Judge Blocks Biden's Immigration Plan for Undocumented Spouses

The ruling halts a program that aimed to offer legal residency to undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens, citing executive overreach.

The 'Keeping Families Together' initiative was designed to provide a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants married to U.S. citizens without requiring them to leave the country.
U.S. District Judge J. Campbell Barker ruled that the Biden administration exceeded its authority, agreeing with a lawsuit from 16 Republican-led states.
The program, which could have benefited approximately 500,000 immigrants, was blocked shortly after its implementation in August.
The decision comes amid heightened immigration tensions following Donald Trump's election victory, with the president-elect promising strict immigration policies.
The Biden administration has expressed disappointment and is considering its next steps, though an appeal seems unlikely with the incoming administration.