A federal judge in Texas has sided with Georgia and 25 other states and temporarily halted the Obama administration’s plans to suspend the threat of deportation for up to 5 million immigrants living illegally in the U.S.
In his injunction order issued late Monday, U.S. District Court Judge Andrew Hanen — a George W. Bush nominee — said the federal government had failed to comply with the Administrative Procedure Act. He also said the states have standing in the case because they would incur substantial costs issuing driver’s licenses to immigrants benefiting from President Barack Obama’s executive actions.
“Many states ultimately bear the brunt of illegal immigration,” Hanen wrote.
The Obama administration said it will appeal the judge’s decision.
“Top law enforcement officials, along with state and local leaders across the country, have emphasized that these policies will also benefit the economy and help keep communities safe,” the White House said in a statement released early Tuesday morning. “The district court’s decision wrongly prevents these lawful, commonsense policies from taking effect and the Department of Justice has indicated that it will appeal that decision.”
There was no immediate comment from Georgia Attorney General Sam Olens’ office. Georgia and the other states have argued Obama’s unilateral actions on immigration are unconstitutional.
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