Federal judge blocks Obama's immigration order

WASHINGTON, Feb. 17 (UPI) -- A federal judge in Texas blocked President Obama's executive order that defers deportation for up to 5 million undocumented immigrants, making way for 26 states to continue with lawsuits that could unravel the immigration program altogether.

U.S. District Judge Andrew S. Hanen announced the temporary injunction that bars immigration officials from implementing the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and expanding the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals programs.

The ruling and 123-page order allows Texas and 25 other states that filed lawsuits challenging Obama's executive order to go forward with court proceedings. Hanen said that without the preliminary injunction, states would suffer "irreparable harm in this case."

"Once these services are provided," Hanen wrote, "there will be no effective way of putting the toothpaste back in the tube should the plaintiffs ultimately prevail."

Hanen's ruling came nearly 24 hours before applications for the program were to begin. The federal government is expected to appeal the decision.

Today's injunction on Obama's executive #amnesty is a victory for the rule of law & a crucial 1st step in reining in his lawlessness #txlege

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— TX AG's Office (@TXAG) February 17, 2015

The rule of law has been upheld- President Obama's Executive Amnesty has been ruled unconstitutional.

— Office of Gov Abbott (@GovAbbott) February 17, 2015