Supreme Court to judge Obama immigrant protection plan

The new program, called Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA), would allow parents of lawful permanent residents or of legal citizens to apply to a program that would give them work permits and prevent them from being deported.

It appears to be specifically aimed at the long term undocumented who have put down roots in America and who have no criminal records or disqualifying features, and would provide particular relief to undocumented parents whose children are U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents.

Republicans criticize the executive actions – including on healthcare, gun control and immigration – for overreaching presidential powers reserved for Congress. Texas has led the charge in taking the Obama administration to court on multiple occaisons.

The White House has argued that Mr Obama has grounds to introduce the measures because the states have no right to challenge policy in federal court, the administration followed proper procedures and the president has discretion to act on immigration.

The Obama administration said Texas and the other states don’t even have standing to challenge the plan in federal court.

A spokesman for the New York Immigration Coaltion said on Tuesday that the Supreme Court’s decision fast tracks the possibility for millions of immigrants to stay and work legally in the US.

 In November, the 5th Circuit US Court of Appeals endorsed the action of the Texan US District Court Judge Andrew Hanen, in a 2-1 decision that held President Obama’s actions were unlawful.

Most of the major Republican candidates have pledged to recind Obama’s executive action.

Rep. Linda Sánchez, D-Calif., the chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, also issued a statement in support of the president’s executive actions, calling the court’s decision to hear the case “a step in the right direction”. Should they find that the president overstepped his constitutional powers, those who have challenged Obama’s reliance on executive actions to circumvent Congress could see their criticism validated by the country’s highest court.

The Supreme Court said Tuesday that it will hear arguments in April and likely decide by June. At issue is the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans (DAPA) program.

A conclusion in the best USA court is anticipated in the first summer as the United States election gets into full swing. He also announced the expansion of a program that affects people who came here illegally as children. But until that happens, there are actions I have the legal authority to take as President… that will help make our immigration system more fair and more just.

Since its launch in 2012, DACA has prevented the deportation of more than 500,000 young migrants.

The change means that people who are here illegally but who are not otherwise violating the law are less likely to face deportation.