In January, the U.S. Supreme Court announced that it would hear the case against President Obama’s executive action that would allow millions of undocumented immigrants relief from deportation, and the ability to obtain work permits.
The challenge is led by twenty-six states arguing that the President’s executive action far exceeds the scope of his presidential powers. Opposing parties also argue that the president has ignored federal rule-making procedures and does not have the legal authority to “unilaterally rewrite congressional laws and circumvent the people’s representatives.”
The Supreme Court justices will also be addressing whether President Obama has violated his constitutional obligations to enforce the nation’s laws. The decision could have a significant impact on the balance of power between the legislative and executive branch.
White House officials reported that they were pleased by the Supreme Court’s decision to hear the case, and expressed optimism that the justices would eventually clear the way for the President’s actions to be carried out. If the Supreme Court upholds executive action, the White House has vowed to move quickly to set up the DAPA program and begin enrolling immigrants before President Obama’s successor takes over early next year.