A Texas judge has ordered the temporary suspension of the policy of the administration of Joe Biden, providing for the simplification of the procedure for obtaining legal status in the USA for the spouses of American citizens, the world agencies quoted by BTA have reported.
This is a blow to one of the most important measures in the reform of the immigration system in the country, planned by President Biden.
In a statement, the head of state described the judge's decision as a mistake and said there was no reason to separate the families. "They should be able to continue living together, and my administration will continue to fight for them,", Biden emphasized.
Judge Jay Campbell Barker suspended the policy for 14 days in a proceeding brought by the attorneys general of 16 US states challenging the Biden administration's policy.
In June, Biden announced a measure designed to simplify access to citizenship for about half a million immigrants married to American citizens.
The 16 states that have taken steps against the measure believe it will cost millions of dollars to public services, particularly health care, education and law enforcement.
The Biden administration is pushing for action on immigration, a divisive issue in the run-up to the presidential election. The Democratic Party is trying to introduce tougher policies on illegal immigration, but also introduce reforms that better protect human rights and fundamental freedoms. For his part, Donald Trump, who is fighting for re-election, presents the US as a country affected by a migration invasion.
The reform, which has now been suspended by a Texas judge, affected people who had resided in the country for at least 10 years and married US citizens before June 17, 2024, as well as about 50,000 stepchildren of Americans citizens. People whose application for citizenship is approved under this measure will receive a work permit and the right to stay in the US for a specified period, which can be up to 3 years. During this time, they may apply for a green card.