Biden's Executive Actions Face Legal Battles, Thwarting Promises of Progress and Relief

President Biden has undertaken several executive actions aiming to provide support and relief for various groups, including trans students, those with student loans, and immigrant advocates. However, these efforts have faced significant legal challenges from conservative activists and lawmakers, which have hindered the president's agenda.

Support for Trans Students

One of the notable executive actions by President Biden was the revision of Title IX regulations to include protections for gender identity. This move was met with support from the transgender community, with the president directly addressing trans students and expressing solidarity by stating, "We see you."

Student Loan Relief and Immigrant Advocacy

In April, President Biden announced executive actions to waive student loan debt, emphasizing the life-changing impact this relief could have on many individuals. Furthermore, in June, the president took steps to provide a new path to legal status for undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens, alleviating fear and uncertainty for approximately half a million people."We can fix that," Mr. Biden said. "And that’s what I’m going to do today: fix it.”

Legal Challenges and Political Roadblocks

Despite the president's intentions, these executive actions have encountered robust legal challenges led by conservative activists, lawmakers, and Republican state attorneys general. Local judges, appellate courts, and, in some instances, a majority of conservative justices on the Supreme Court have upheld these challenges, effectively stymying the president's promises of progress and relief.

Impact on Biden's Legislative Agenda

President Biden's reliance on executive orders was seen as a means to circumvent a closely divided Congress, which has been paralyzed by political stalemates, especially as the 2024 election approaches. Notably, none of the six signature bills signed into law during his presidency occurred after December 2022, indicating a stall in the legislative process.