WASHINGTON

Supreme Court considers future of President Obama's immigration action

Thousands protest outside of the Supreme Court of the United States in Washington on April 18, 2016. The short-handed Supreme Court meets to decide the future of President Obama's immigration actions. Obama unveiled the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents program in 2014 as an extension of a similar program that has protected more than 700,000 undocumented immigrants brought to the country as children. The new plan would broaden that program and add protections for up to 4.3 million adults with children who are U.S. citizens or lawful residents. Those who qualify could apply for work permits and a host of health care, disability and retirement benefits.
Thousands protest outside of the Supreme Court of the United States in Washington on April 18, 2016. The short-handed Supreme Court meets to decide the future of President Obama's immigration actions. Obama unveiled the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents program in 2014 as an extension of a similar program that has protected more than 700,000 undocumented immigrants brought to the country as children. The new plan would broaden that program and add protections for up to 4.3 million adults with children who are U.S. citizens or lawful residents. Those who qualify could apply for work permits and a host of health care, disability and retirement benefits.
Jack Gruber, USA TODAY
Supporters of President Obama's Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents immigration program gather outside the Supreme Court.
Supporters of President Obama's Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents immigration program gather outside the Supreme Court.
Jack Gruber, USA TODAY
Inez Pena from Newberg, Ore., stands in line for the Supreme Court hearing.
Inez Pena from Newberg, Ore., stands in line for the Supreme Court hearing.
Jack Gruber, USA TODAY
Thousands protest as the Supreme Court meets to decide the future of President Obama's immigration actions. A tie vote would hand a victory to Texas and 25 other states that have successfully blocked the program in lower courts, but it could unleash new challenges.
Thousands protest as the Supreme Court meets to decide the future of President Obama's immigration actions. A tie vote would hand a victory to Texas and 25 other states that have successfully blocked the program in lower courts, but it could unleash new challenges.
Jack Gruber, USA TODAY
Thousands protest as the Supreme Court meets to decide the future of President Obama's immigration actions. If the court doesn't rule for Obama, it likely will emerge tied or seek to rehear the case when it's back to full strength Ñ something that could take a year or more. A tie vote would leave the injunction against the program in place, possibly emboldening states to mount more court challenges to federal actions.
Thousands protest as the Supreme Court meets to decide the future of President Obama's immigration actions. If the court doesn't rule for Obama, it likely will emerge tied or seek to rehear the case when it's back to full strength Ñ something that could take a year or more. A tie vote would leave the injunction against the program in place, possibly emboldening states to mount more court challenges to federal actions.
Jack Gruber, USA TODAY
Thousands protest as the Supreme Court meets to decide future of President Obama's immigration actions.
Thousands protest as the Supreme Court meets to decide future of President Obama's immigration actions.
Jack Gruber, USA TODAY
Thousands protest as the Supreme Court meets to decide future of President Obama's immigration actions.
Thousands protest as the Supreme Court meets to decide future of President Obama's immigration actions.
Jack Gruber, USA TODAY