The states also expressed concerns over financial burdens, arguing that noncitizens paroled into the U.S. become eligible for federal benefits after five years, potentially leading to increased costs for Medicaid, food stamps, and welfare payments. They seek a permanent injunction against the program.
Green Card Rule Pause : Judge Barker’s Ruling
In his ruling, Judge Barker indicated that the government’s interests did not outweigh the potential harms cited by the states. He noted that since noncitizen spouses and stepchildren covered by the program have been living in the U.S. for the past decade, a brief pause would not force them to leave the country.
The case remains ongoing, with the states continuing to press for a permanent block on the Biden administration’s green card rule.
Legal Representation
Texas and the other states are represented by their respective attorneys general, along with the Office of the Attorney General of Texas and America First Legal Foundation. The federal government is represented by attorneys from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Immigration Litigation.
