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The Brief: Immigration and the Supreme Court

The state of Texas will argue before the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday that President Obama’s executive order on immigration should not be allowed to take effect.

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The Big Conversation

The state of Texas will argue before the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday that President Obama’s executive order on immigration should not be allowed to take effect.

The Texas Tribune’s Julián Aguilar reported that the state will again present a case whose arguments are focused on the separation of powers and the limits of presidential overreach.

At stake is what’s known as Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents, or DAPA, which Obama announced in November 2014. The order would shield nearly 5 million undocumented immigrants in the country from deportation proceedings and allow them to apply for a three-year work permit.

Texas was the first state to file suit to stop the program; 25 states eventually joined the case.

In February 2015, U.S. District Court Judge Andrew Hanen of Brownsville ruled the Obama administration didn’t comply with the federal government’s Administrative Procedure Act, which governs how federal regulations are made. A Nov. 9 decision by the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld Hanen's decision.

After the 5th Circuit ruled to deny the Obama administration from implementing the program, the administration asked the Supreme Court to review the case. Many expect the court to issue a ruling in June.

For a look back at all of the previous developments in the case, use this timeline.

Trib Must Reads

Texans in Congress Largely Silent on Hurricane Protection, by Neena Satija and Kiah Collier — With a price tag sure to reach into the billions, building seawalls and floodgates to protect Houston and Galveston from a killer storm will almost certainly require a massive infusion of federal money, state officials agree.

In Wyoming, Cruz Marks Another Delegate Sweep, by Patrick Svitek and Abby Livingston — Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz has swept the remaining delegates at stake in Wyoming, bringing to 23 his total haul from the state.

Analysis: Legal Matters Could Temporarily Expand Abbott’s Power, by Ross Ramsey — Texas doesn’t have a cabinet form of government, but in Gov. Greg Abbott’s case, it might soon have the next best thing.

Travis Co. DA Reportedly Investigating Rep. Dukes, by Madlin Mekelburg — The Texas state auditor's office has referred its investigation into possible misuse of state workers by state Rep. Dawnna Dukes to Travis County prosecutors, the Austin American-Statesman reported late Friday.

Sid Miller Criminal Case Would Stay in Travis County, by Johnathan Silver — If embattled Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller is prosecuted for misusing government funds, his trial would be in Travis County, officials said Friday.

Hurd Outraises Gallego in New Fundraising Reports, by Abby Livingston — The fundraising race for Texas’ only competitive congressional seat is heating up. Freshman U.S. Rep. Will Hurd, a Republican, hopes to fend off a challenge from the man he defeated in 2014, Democrat Pete Gallego.

Former Assistant AG: Health Concerns Factored into Extended State Pay, by Patrick Svitek — Former First Assistant Attorney General Chip Roy on Friday defended receiving thousands of dollars in salary and benefits after leaving the attorney general's office to join a pro-Ted Cruz super PAC.

Court Tosses Challenge to Couple's Same-Sex Marriage License, by Alexa Ura — The Texas Supreme Court on Friday tossed out Attorney General Ken Paxton’s effort to undo the union of the first gay couple to legally wed in Texas.

Ken Paxton "Absolutely" Endorses Ted Cruz for President, by Patrick Svitek — Embattled Attorney General Ken Paxton on Friday endorsed Ted Cruz for president, making his support official for a longtime ally four days after being hit with new charges from federal regulators.

The Day Ahead

The U.S. Supreme Court will arguments in United States v. Texas, a case over a challenge to the Obama administration’s program of “deferred action” for certain undocumented immigrants.

Elsewhere

Texas among worst for racist prison gangs, Anti-Defamation League study finds, Houston Chronicle

Supreme Court only first hurdle for Obama's immigration orders, Austin American-Statesman 

Abbott appointments still mainly going to whites, The Associated Press 

Do troubled transfer athletes deserve a second chance?, The Dallas Morning News

As Hurd and Gallego brace for rematch, GOP bolsters Hurd’s profile, San Antonio Express-News

New Texas A&M athletic director says he 'has no objection' to restarting UT rivalry, will consider it, The Dallas Morning News

Lone Star Rail in existential crisis after Union Pacific breakup, Austin American-Statesman 

How Blue Cross, HCA hospitals dispute could leave Texans in world of hurt, The Dallas Morning News

Texas, Valley closely monitoring for Zika-carrying mosquitoes, Brownsville Herald

Focus on Chief Justice as Supreme Court Hears Immigration Challenge, The New York Times

Austin community lender launches alternative to payday loans, Austin American-Statesman 

Quote to Note

"I am supporting Ted Cruz, but I'm still going to buy Donald Trump ties."

— Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton endorsing Ted Cruz for president during an interview with CNN.

Trib Events for the Calendar

•    A Conversation with Dawn Buckingham on April 21 at the Austin Club

•    A Conversation on San Antonio & the Legislature: The Issues in the Interim on April 26 at the University of Texas at San Antonio

•    A Symposium on the Texas Economy on April 29 at the University of Houston

•    The Texas Tribune's third Texas-centric Trivia Night on May 1 at The Highball in Austin

•    A Conversation on Mental Health Matters on May 10 at KLRU Studio 6A in Austin

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