Republican States Sue to Halt Biden's Citizenship Program for Immigrant Spouses

Sixteen Republican-led states are suing to end a Biden administration program that provides a pathway to citizenship for nearly half a million undocumented immigrants married to U.S. citizens. The plaintiffs claim the program incentivizes illegal immigration and bypasses Congress, aiming for 'blatant political purposes.'

Sixteen Republican-led states have initiated legal action to terminate a federal program introduced by President Joe Biden, which could grant nearly 500,000 undocumented immigrants married to U.S. citizens a chance at citizenship. The coalition lodged the lawsuit in federal court on Friday, alleging the administration bypassed Congress for 'blatant political purposes'.

The policy, which started accepting applications on Monday, allows many undocumented spouses to apply for 'parole in place,' providing temporary legal status to pursue a green card and eventual citizenship. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton argued the plan 'violates the Constitution and exacerbates the illegal immigration crisis.'

The suit accuses the Department of Homeland Security of abuse of power, while critics assert the move is driven by political motives rather than legal concerns.

(With inputs from agencies.)