The U.S. Supreme Court has recently taken up a controversial immigration case that has been closely watched by immigration advocates and legal experts alike. The case, known as United States v. Texas, centers on the legality of President Obama’s executive actions on immigration, which were announced in November 2014.
At the heart of the case are two main programs: The Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) program and the expansion of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. The DAPA program would allow certain undocumented parents of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to apply for a three-year work authorization and protection from deportation if they meet certain requirements. The expansion of the DACA program would allow more young people who arrived in the U.S. as children to be eligible for the program.
The programs were intended to provide temporary relief for millions of undocumented immigrants who have been living in the shadows for years, and are often an integral part of their communities. However, the programs were met with fierce opposition from Republican leaders, who argued that they were unconstitutional and an overreach of executive power.
In February 2015, a coalition of 26 states, led by Texas, filed a lawsuit to prevent the Obama administration from implementing these programs. The states argued that these programs would burden states with additional costs and encourage further illegal immigration. In November 2015, a federal appeals court upheld an injunction blocking the programs from being implemented, citing concerns that they exceeded the president’s authority and could place a heavy burden on state resources.
The Supreme Court’s decision to take up the case is significant, as it will have far-reaching consequences for millions of undocumented immigrants in the U.S. If the court rules in favor of the administration, millions of undocumented immigrants will have the opportunity to come out of the shadows and contribute to their communities. However, if the court rules against the administration, millions of families will be left in limbo and vulnerable to deportation.
Legal scholars have noted that the case is a test of the limits of executive power, and could have implications for future presidents who wish to use executive action to enact immigration reform. It also highlights the political divide between Republicans and Democrats on the issue of immigration reform.
In the months leading up to the Supreme Court’s decision, both sides have been marshaling their arguments and preparing for what will be a closely watched and highly politicized decision. While the outcome of the case remains uncertain, it is clear that the issue of immigration reform will continue to be a contentious and divisive issue in American politics.
