The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals issued an administrative stay on Friday that is temporarily blocking President Biden’s student debt relief plan. 

What’s new: The stay instructs the Biden Administration to withhold further action while the appeal is under consideration.

• “The Eight Circuit Court of Appeals issued the stay while it considers a motion from six Republican-led states to block the program,” said the Associated Press
• “We will continue to move full speed ahead in our preparations in compliance with this order,” said White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre in a statement. “The administration will continue to fight republican officials suing to block our efforts to provide relief to working families.”

Why it matters: Students must wait on the court’s decision for further information on the program’s status but are still encouraged to apply for the relief. 

 To apply for student loan forgiveness, visit https://studentaid.gov/debt-relief/application