SCOTUS to Hear Case on Obama's Immigration Executive Actions in April
The Supreme Court has set April 18 as the day the court will hear the case stemming from President Obama's executive orders on immigration.
The case, United States vs. Texas, is the only one scheduled to be heard that day by the eight justice bench, giving both sides ample time to express their views on the long simmering issue.
The President vs. 26 States
Soon after the New Year, the court announced that it planned to hear the case, which pits the president against 26 states. The states are fighting enactments proposed by the administration that could allow as many as 5 million immigrants to apply for relief from deportation.
Previously, a lower court put a pause on the president's program.
House Republicans Hope to Be Heard by Court
House Republicans recently announced they are planning to soon vote on a resolution that could result in the panel going before the Supreme Court to directly argue against the president's proposals. In a meeting with party members, Majority Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., recently revealed the GOP plans to openly express their views on the case.
The Republicans are hoping to secure time before the Supreme Court during the oral arguments phase of the proceedings. Former Solicitor General Paul Clement is rumored to be representing Ryan and the Republicans on a pro bono basis.
The Obama administration moved to enact the executive actions after Congress repeatedly failed to pass comprehensive legislation on immigration reform to address the 11 million undocumented immigrants now living in the United States.
More specifically, the president offered greater protections to DREAMERS, or young undocumented immigrants who came or were brought into the U.S. when they were 16 or younger.
Meanwhile, Republican front-runner Donald Trump has vowed to deport all 11 million immigrants in as little as 18 months if he is elected president.