On Tuesday, January 19th, the Supreme Court justices announced their decision to hear the case regarding President Obama’s Executive Actions that would shield millions of immigrants from deportation. This case, also known as United States v. Texas, is expected to be heard in April, with a decision likely by June.
A positive ruling would provide protection for over 4 million parents of citizens or of lawful permanent residents. A positive ruling would also grant these immigrants the right to work legally in the U.S. More significantly, it is a decision that would help prevent millions of American citizens from being separated from their parents and families.
Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA), is a program which was announced by President Obama in November 2014. It has been challenged by 26 states and lower courts, and is now resting in the hands of the Supreme Court.
With the upcoming presidential election, this case and the topic of immigration are sure to be hot topics for candidates. The Supreme Court’s decision to hear the case is being called the “federal government’s first significant victory in this legal dispute.”
Ultimately, the president will be successful before the Supreme Court. The president has the authority as the chief executive of the government to prioritize which immigrants, such as felons versus mothers with infant children, should be removed from the United States. The Constitution does not limit this discretion.
We will be continually posting updates regarding this case on our website, in our blog, and through our Facebook page, so be sure to check back periodically.