A federal judge on Tuesday denied a Justice Department request to lift a temporary hold on President Barack Obama's executive action that sought to shield millions of immigrants from deportation.
U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen refused to stay his Feb. 16 decision that granted a preliminary injunction requested by 26 states. The U.S. government wants the injunction lifted — allowing Obama's action to proceed — while it appeals Hanen's ruling to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court in New Orleans.
The Justice Department has already asked the 5th Circuit to lift the injunction. The appeals court was scheduled to hear arguments on whether the injunction should be lifted on April 17. The coalition of 26 states has filed a lawsuit to overturn Obama's executive actions, which would spare from deportation as many as 5 million people who are in the U.S. illegally.
The states, led by Texas, argue that the action is unconstitutional and would force them to invest more in law enforcement, health care and education.
IN-DEPTH:
- Legal Experts: Ruling Blocking Immigration Action 'Flawed'
- Judge Blocks Obama's Deferred Deportation Policy for Undocumented Immigrants
