A federal judge on Thursday blocked the Biden administration from enforcing a public health order that fast-tracked deportations of migrant families at the southern border.

Why it matters: President Biden has faced significant backlash for retaining the Trump-era policy, which was implemented as a COVID containment measure. The expulsions deny adult migrants and families the chance for asylum.

The Biden administration notified governors and mayors on Wednesday of the number of Afghan evacuees their state is expected to receive in the coming weeks, two senior administration officials told Axios.

Why it matters: Although their exact immigration pathway is still unclear, an initial group of 37,000 Afghans will soon be headed to states across the country after many faced harrowing journeys from Afghanistan.

A handful of former Trump officials are making a concerted effort to amass opposition to Afghan refugees fleeing the Taliban, AP reports.

Why it matters: In media appearances, position papers and meetings with GOP lawmakers, they're crafting a narrative that hinges on the anti-immigrant sentiment that defined former President Trump's rise and overall discontent with the Biden administration's withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Sens. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Rand Paul (R-Ky.) on Wednesday introduced a bill that seeks to provide a pathway to citizenship for the country's 200,000 "Documented Dreamers."

Why it matters: Documented Dreamers are children of long-term visa holders who often wait years for a green card and face deportation if they don't receive legal immigration status after turning 21, when they lose dependent status.

The Biden administration plans to unveil a private refugee sponsorship program next year, allowing private organizations and groups to financially support refugees — including Afghans.

Why it matters: U.S. companies and individuals have already expressed an eagerness to donate, volunteer and help rescue vulnerable Afghans. The administration's new plan will build on that, creating a whole new way for Americans to help address a burgeoning refugee crisis, Axios has learned.

In the weeks after the Sept. 11 attacks, a white supremacist in Dallas named Mark Stroman went on a violent spree he said was for revenge, killing two men and shooting a third, Bangladeshi immigrant Rais Bhuiyan, in the face.

What happened: Bhuiyan forgave Stroman, who was sentenced to death for the crimes, and has since dedicated his life to ending hate — even unsuccessfully suing the state of Texas in an attempt to stop the execution.

Tens of thousands of Afghans have arrived in the U.S. over the last several weeks, but President Biden needs Congress' help to provide them needed care and expedited immigration pathways.

Why it matters: These refugees will be one of the lasting legacies of 9/11 and the 20-year war in Afghanistan that ended with America's withdrawal last month.

France granted citizenship to 12,000 COVID frontline workers this week in a show of gratitude for their efforts and sacrifices.

Why it matters: Immigrants comprise a quarter of the essential workers who remained active in the Île-de-France province during lockdowns, per data from a French health observatory.

A migrant caravan of about 400 people departed from the southern Mexican city of Tapachula for the United States on Saturday, Reuters reports.

Driving the news: The caravan departed at about 7:30am local time — days after migration officials broke up another group, per Reuters.