The policy was based on setting priorities – concentrating on criminals and terrorists and deferring removal for others who have established ties to the U.S.
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White House officials had argued that presidents in both parties have used similar executive authority in applying immigration laws and that Congress has granted federal law enforcement officials extensive authority over how those decisions should be implemented.
The Supreme Court of the United States has blocked President Obama’s plan to prevent around four million illegal immigrants from being deported if they have USA born children and haven’t got a criminal record.
Obama unveiled his plan in November 2014. He apparently reasoned that this was an administration’s tactic by trying to circumvent this constitutional provision and sided with the states halting the administration’s initiatives.
The split was reflected in a one-sentence statement from the court: “The judgment is affirmed by an equally divided Court”. Senate Republicans then refused to even hold a hearing to consider the President’s Supreme Court nomination of Judge Merrick Garland to fill the Supreme Court vacancy. A majority of justices would have been needed to overturn a lower court’s ruling that Obama’s plan was beyond the power of the executive branch. Says there is still hope, and much of it hinges on who becomes the next president.
As a result, as many as 5 million unauthorised immigrants will not be shielded from deportation or allowed to legally work in the United States.
That was further appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, where on Thursday, justices announced a 4-4 tie. When Eyewitness News asked Rosanna Madeira how she felt about the decision she said she’s sad for the five million people like herself who could benefit from the change.
In November 2014, the president created a program called Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents, which would have allowed parents of U.S. citizens or green card holders to apply for three-year work permits.
Tennessee was one of 26 states named in the lawsuit against the president.
The issue of illegal immigration has featured prominently in the presidential campaign.
The ruling effectively blocked Obama’s plan to defer deportation for millions more illegal immigrants. In a veiled critique of GOP presumptive nominee Donald Trump and his calls for a border wall, Obama said the USA needn’t “wall ourselves off” from those who look different.
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Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan also spoke out about calling the non-decision a “Win for Congress”.
