Supreme Court upholds lower court ruling blocking Obama immigration plan

A U.S. Supreme Court deadlock in U.S. vs. Texas will effectively uphold a lower court ruling that blocks the Obama administration from giving temporary work permits to some 4 million immigrants in the country illegally and delaying their deportation.

A lower court previously blocked the Obama administration’s expansion of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and the creation of the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans (DAPA) initiative.

Because the Court’s justices tied 4-4, the lower court’s ruling remains in effect.

Reaction from Virginia political leaders:

“The Supreme Court’s split decision on DAPA and DACA is a setback, but the fight to bring millions of families in Virginia and across the country out of the shadows is far from over,” Sen. Tim Kaine said. “President Obama made a lawful and moral decision to ensure law abiding families will not be torn apart because of Congress’ refusal to address our broken immigration system, and I will continue to do everything I can to support this effort.

”The tie vote in two rulings today, including this key immigration case, also shows how destructive the Republican blockade on filling the Supreme Court is to the rule of law,” Kaine said. “Instead of following their Constitutional duty to advise and consent on appointments – the clear statutory command that the Court have nine members and the compelling historical precedent of prompt confirmation hearings – the majority is engaging in a concerted plan to weaken the judicial branch of government. It is a sad day when one branch of government believes it can gain political advantage by undermining another branch.  If nothing else, the Republican blockade on the Court should show all Americans what’s truly at stake this November.”

Sen. Mark Warner said it is “heartbreaking that Senate Republicans’ refusal to fulfill their constitutional responsibilities in considering the President’s nominee has left the Supreme Court one justice short of the number needed to decide this case.”

“Today, political obstruction needlessly keeps four and a half million people in legal limbo, uncertain whether they can come out of the shadows and remain in the U.S., or continue to face the prospect of having their families torn apart. Friday will mark 100 days since Merrick Garland’s nomination, and today’s decision shows just how important it is for the Senate to consider his qualifications and bring him up for a vote,” Warner said.