Chip Somodevilla
A federal judge in Texas issued a temporary halt to President Barack Obama’s executive action on immigration Monday, agreeing with Texas and 25 other states in a lawsuit aimed at blocking the directive. U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen’s ruling suspends Obama’s orders, which include expanding a program that shields young immigrants from deportation and protecting parents of U.S. citizens and permanent residents. A coalition of states contend that Obama’s immigration orders burden state budgets with new costs and violate the “Take Care Clause” of the U.S. Constitution, which limits presidential power. The federal government is expected to appeal to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans. Both the White House and Justice Department did not immediately comment on Tuesday.