AUSTIN – The Texas Attorney General’s Office today asked the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold a federal appeals court ruling to halt the president’s unconstitutional executive action on immigration. In the brief in opposition to certiorari, Texas argues the executive branch exceeded its authority in unilaterally granting lawful presence to over 4 million illegal immigrants.

“President Obama’s executive action on immigration represents an unprecedented attempt to expand the power of the executive branch,” Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said. “The president alone does not have the authority to grant millions of illegal immigrants a host of benefits – like Social Security and Medicare – which should be reserved for lawful citizens. Rewriting national immigration law requires the full and careful consideration of Congress, and Texas will continue to fight this affront to the rule of law.”

Texas secured a victory in the U.S Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit on November 9, 2015 after Solicitor General Scott Keller delivered oral arguments in July. It was the third time a federal court ruled in favor of the Texas-led 26 state coalition.

 In the brief filed today, Texas cites the president’s own words shortly after issuing the executive action in which he candidly admitted, “I just took an action to change the law.” This action triggers numerous benefits for illegal immigrants, including driver’s licenses, Social Security, Medicare, the Earned Income Tax Credit, unemployment insurance and access to international travel.

 Joining Texas in the lawsuit are: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

 To view the brief in opposition to certiorari, please visit: https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/files/epress/15-674_bio_State_of_Texas_et_al..pdf.