Last week, our office published a blog post regarding the Biden Administration’s 100-day pause on deportations issued on January 20, 2021. The complete post can be found here. Unfortunately, on January 26, 2021, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas issued a 14-day temporary restraining order on the deportation pause.
The restraining order was sought by Texas Attorney General, Ken Paxton, who following the court decision, stated, “I commend the Court for prioritizing the law and safety of our citizens, and I will continue to defend Texas against the unlawful and unconstitutional actions of President Biden and his Administration.”
The order issued by the District Court will remain in effect while a broader preliminary injunction is considered. Federal Judge Drew B. Tipton, a Trump appointee, ruled that the suspension of deportation would “violate a provision of the immigration statute as well as another law that required agencies to provide a rational explanation for their policy decisions.” A decision regarding whether to grant the restraining order is expected in the coming weeks.
In addition to the pause on deportations, President Biden rescinded the “Muslim Ban,” implemented by the Trump Administration. The ban was issued on January 27, 2017, barring citizens from seven predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. President Biden’s proclamation to end this ban will allow for the reunification of thousands of families that have been separated for several years.
Apart from the rescission of the Muslim Ban during his first day in office, President Biden issued another proclamation, pausing construction of the U.S.-Mexico Border wall and ordered a review of its funding. According to the Washington Post, the Biden Administration can save 2.6 billion dollars by halting construction on the wall.
Overall, more executive orders from the Biden Administration are anticipated in the coming weeks. Immigrants as well as their advocates are hopeful that the new administration will bring about positive reform throughout the country.
