A federal judge in Texas ruled Thursday against President Joe Biden’s immigration initiative that would have provided a path to citizenship for approximately 500,000 undocumented immigrants married to U.S. citizens, potentially keeping the program blocked through the end of Biden’s presidency.
U.S. District Judge J. Campbell Barker determined the program, known as Keeping Families Together, exceeded Biden’s executive authority. The initiative, launched in August, was quickly frozen by Barker while he considered a legal challenge from Texas and other states led by Republican attorneys general.
Biden introduced the program in June before ending his re-election campaign, clearing the way for Vice President Kamala Harris to face Donald Trump in Tuesday’s election. Trump, who defeated Harris, had denounced the initiative as “mass amnesty” that would encourage illegal immigration.
The ruling comes as immigration remains a central focus of national politics. A Reuters/Ipsos poll completed Thursday found Americans consider immigration the most pressing issue for Trump to address when he assumes office in January, with a majority expecting him to order mass deportations of undocumented immigrants.
The Biden administration could appeal the decision, though the White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Trump’s campaign has indicated he would likely roll back the program as part of a broader immigration crackdown after taking office.
