UPDATED: US Court Of Appeals Rules Obama Cannot Prioritize Keeping Immigrant Families Together

A federal Appeals Court has just ruled against President Obama’s plan to prioritize deportations in an effort to keep immigrant families together in the U.S. 

Ruling on a lawsuit brought by 26 Republican state governors and attorneys general, Monday night the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals decided against President Barack Obama’s plan of how to prioritize the deportation undocumented immigrants. The Obama administration had attempted to prioritize deporting those who have criminal records over those who do not, giving extra attention to keeping families together in the U.S.

The decision, 2-1 against the Obama administration, upheld a lower federal court’s ruling by a Texas judge.

Among the programs the 5th Circuit shot down is DACA, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, which protects those who are undocumented if they were brought to the U.S. as children. Another is DAPA, for parents of children who are U.S. citizens or have green cards, thus allowing families to stay together.

All told, these plans affect about five million people who are now prevented from obtaining work permits or protection from deportation.

But the GOP-led lawsuit has again stifled those plans.

The Obama administration will likely appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, ensuring immigration becomes a 2016 presidential campaign issue.

“We strongly disagree with the 5th Circuit’s decision. The Supreme Court and Congress have made clear that the federal government can set priorities in enforcing our immigration laws,” an unnamed White House official said.

UPDATE: 11:33 AM ET 11.10.2015 –

Some responses via Twitter:

 

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