Pressure is mounting on Republicans to back down on the Texas v. United States lawsuit aimed a repealing President Obama's executive order on immigration.
In January, a Texas federal judge issued an injunction stopping the programs one day before it was set to take effect.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti on Monday spearheaded Cities United for Immigration Action's legal brief asking the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals to let Obama's order go through. Over 70 cities and counties backed the coalition, which is made up of mayors, county executives, and other government officials.
"Continuing to delay implementation of the president's executive action on immigration hurts our economy and puts families at risk," de Blasio said in a statement. The coalition argued that the district court judge who temporarily blocked Obama's policy failed to consider implications to America's local governments caused by the lawsuit.
De Blasio added, "Our cities are united, and we will fight for the immigration reform this nation needs and deserves - whether in the courtroom, in Congress, or in our communities. Make no mistake about it: our voices will be heard."
Twenty-six states, led by Texas, joined in the lawsuit. Congressional Republicans argue Obama's executive order is unconstitutional; some saying it rewards those who have broken the law. Others, like House Speaker John Boehner, say it ruins any chance of Congress playing a part in immigration legislation.
Obama's policy gives asylum to millions of undocumented immigrants who have longstanding ties in the U.S. If successful, an estimated five million undocumented immigrants would be saved from deportation, many which could apply for work permits.
The immigration coalition says allowing these unauthorized residents to stay would increase local tax revenue and improve public safety.
"America's cities need common-sense immigration reforms that will keep families intact and the country's economic prosperity on the rise," Garcetti said. "This is a nonpartisan issue that should be focused on people and not politics."
By Monday night, nearly every House Democrat - 181 of them - had also filed a brief. In their amicus brief, Democrats draw a line between understanding when presidential executive action is necessary and when it has been abused.
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