Resistance to immigration reform amongst Congress Republicans has stymied the execution of the decree and seen Texas, among 25 other states, initiate proceedings aimed at suing the federal government.

High-stakes court battle

The Obama administration has taken swift steps to file the case in order to have it heard at the High Court. Should Justices agree to a hearing soon, a high-stakes court battle could ensue as Washington enters its election year.

'Unprecedented injunction' 

In the petition to the Supreme Court, Solicitor General Donald Verilli Jr said: 'A divided court of appeals has upheld an unprecedented nationwide injunction against implementing a federal immigration enforcement policy of great national importance, and has done so in violation of established limits on the judicial power … If left undisturbed, that ruling will allow states to frustrate the federal government’s enforcement of the nation’s immigration laws.' Mr Veilli added that the case warrants immediate review. Source: The Hill