WASHINGTON, Jan. 19 (UPI) — The U.S. Supreme Court agreed Tuesday to hear arguments on President Barack Obama’s proposed plan that would shield up to five millions of undocumented immigrants from deportation.
The court will hear arguments in April for a possible late June ruling that could fuel an already hot-button issue during a contentious election year.
A federal appeals court in November ruled the Obama administration overreached its power with an executive action that would allow some immigrant families protections that include three-year work permits under the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents, or DAPA.
Obama’s plan, announced in November 2014, has been challenged by 26 states including Texas, all led by Republican governors.
Obama’s legal team said the appeals court’s decision has “far-reaching and irreparable humanitarian impact.”
“If left undisturbed, that ruling will allow states to frustrate the federal government’s enforcement of the nation’s immigration laws. It will force millions of people — who are not removal priorities under criteria the court conceded are valid, and who are parents of U.S. citizens and permanent residents—to continue to work off the books, without the option of lawful employment to provide for their families,” Donald B. Verrilli, Jr., solicitor general, wrote in court documents.
