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The decision by Texas-based U.S. District Judge J. Campbell
Barker maintains a pause on the program through Sept. 23 to
allow for legal briefing and a possible hearing.
U.S. President Joe Biden's administration opened applications
last month for the Keeping Families Together program, which
offers a path to citizenship to around 500,000 immigrants who
entered the U.S. illegally if they are married to U.S. citizens.
Texas and a coalition of U.S. states with Republican attorneys
general sued to end the Biden program, saying it overstepped the
executive branch's authority to grant legal immigration status
to people who entered unlawfully and circumvented U.S.
immigration law.
Biden announced the initiative in June before dropping out of
the presidential race against Republican Donald Trump, paving
the way for Vice President Kamala Harris to become the
Democratic nominee.
Immigration is a top voter concern heading into the Nov. 5
election, Reuters/Ipsos polling shows.
Keeping Families Together provides a path to citizenship to
immigrant spouses who entered the U.S. illegally and have at
least 10 years of residence. Without this option, many would
need to leave the U.S. for years before being able to return
legally.
The program also allows some 50,000 children under age 21 with a
U.S.-citizen parent to obtain temporary "parole" status that
creates a path to citizenship.
America First Legal, an organization led by Trump adviser
Stephen Miller, served as co-counsel in the lawsuit alongside
Texas and 15 other states with Republican attorneys general.
(Reporting by Ted Hesson in Washington; Editing by Leslie Adler
and Lisa Shumaker)
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