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Did Obama Go Too Far on Immigration? Supreme Court to Decide

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The Supreme Court announced it will decide if President Barack Obama has overstepped his authority on immigration.

The battle pits the president against Congress and Republican governors, who are bringing the legal challenge.

The court will decide if President Obama is actually allowed to block the deportation of 5 million immigrants who are in the United States illegally.

The president acted without congressional approval 14 months ago, and lower courts have already put Obama's executive actions on hold.

Some observers see the Supreme Court's decision to review Obama's power under the Constitution as a potentially ominous sign.

"It suggests that the court is willing to engage President Obama's entire use of executive orders," said Jeffrey Rosen, president and CEO of the nonpartisan National Constitution Center.

Texas has led the legal challenge to Obama's program on behalf of 26 states and has won every round in court so far.

In November, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the states, prompting the appeal to the Supreme Court.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said he was pleased the justices will examine the president's constitutional power to intercede without congressional approval.

"In deciding to hear this case, the Supreme Court recognizes the importance of the separation of powers," Paxton said.

The Supreme Court's ruling could come about one month before both parties announce their candidates for president.

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