Judge Pauses Biden's 'Keeping Families Together' Program

A Texas judge has temporarily paused President Biden's 'Keeping Families Together' program, which streamlines the process for undocumented immigrant spouses of U.S. citizens to gain legal status without leaving the country. The pause, issued by Judge J. Campbell Barker, will last for 14 days and comes after a lawsuit filed by 16 Republican-led states challenging the policy. These states argue that the program bypasses Congress and imposes financial burdens on public services. President Biden has criticized the ruling, stating it wrongfully separates families and fails to change any legal status requirements. Despite the halt, the Department of Homeland Security will continue accepting applications, though they will not be processed until the stay is lifted. The program's future remains uncertain as the court deliberates on the legality of the policy.