SCOTUS immigration decision highlights court vacancy, stakes in November

A 4-4 Supreme Court decision Thursday upheld a lower court ruling and blocked President Obama’s immigration plan from taking effect.

The plan sought to shield millions living in the U.S illegally from being deported. The federal appeals court in New Orleans said the Obama administration lacks the authority to enact such a plan.

Obama called the ruling a failure and a shame.

“It is heartbreaking for the millions of immigrants who made their lives here, who raise families here, who hope for the opportunity to work, pay taxes, serve in our military and more fully contribute to this country we all love in an open way,” the president said.

This fall, when voters go to the polls two branches of government will hang in the balance. KRDO political analyst and UCCS political science professor Josh Dunn contends the future makeup of the court will play a major role on the campaign trail.

“The decision shows the public that this court is very divided and that one justice will make a significant different for probably several decades on the court,” Dunn said.

After the ruling, Democratic presumptive presidential nominee Hillary Clinton tweeted: “Today’s heartbreaking #SCOTUS immigration ruling could tear apart 5 million families facing deportation. We must do better.”

Traveling in Scotland, Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee posted a statement on his website.

“The election, and the Supreme Court appointments that come with it will decide whether or not we have a border and, hence, a country,” Trump said.

Senate Republicans have shied away to give Obama’s Supreme Court nominee, Merrick Garland a hearing in this election year.

Dunn believes if Clinton wins in November, the Senate will race to confirm Garland fearing the Democrat would nominate a more liberal justice.