Last November, President Obama announced that he would begin to take executive action to assist immigrants. In the year since, he has faced a great deal of obstacles and criticisms from Congress, the media, and now the courts. On Monday, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a May injunction which will continue to block Obama’s executive action.
What Is Obama Trying to Do?
Essentially, Obama’s plan is designed to focus resources on the deportation of “the worst offenders,” such as those who have committed violent crimes. Correspondingly, there would be a significantly reduced focus on deporting those who are productive members of society, parents, etc., shielding as many as 5 million unlawful immigrants from deportation. Additional protections would be extended to undocumented immigrants who came to the U.S. as children.
What’s Next?
The court’s decision is the latest development stemming from a lawsuit filed by Texas and 25 other states. The Justice Department plans to appeal this ruling to the Supreme Court, leaving the states with 30 days to respond. However, the timing in this case is very interesting, as the Supreme Court only has until mid-January to decide if they will hear the case while Obama is still in office. If the decision is made after then, the case will likely not be heard until 2017.
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At Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP Immigration Law, our Lake Charles immigration lawyer is truly devoted to the rights of immigrants and their families. We understand the unique challenges immigrants face, and strive to help our clients achieve all of their immigration goals. For counsel you can depend on, contact our firm today!