The White House received an early Christmas present Tuesday night, as a judge tossed out a lawsuit challenging the president’s recent immigration actions.
In a 33-page opinion, U.S. District Judge Beryl A. Howell summarily rejected the challenge brought by controversial Maricopa County Sheriff Joseph Arpaio and his attorney, Larry Klayman. While acknowledging that the” wisdom and legality of these policies deserve careful and reasoned consideration,” Howell said Arpaio lacked the legal standing to challenge them in court.
“The plaintiff’s case raises important questions regarding the impact of illegal immigration on this Nation, but the questions amount to generalized grievances which are not proper for the Judiciary to address,” Howell reasoned.
Arpaio and Klayman had challenged Obama’s use of deferred action and prosecutorial discretion. Howell concluded that “despite the consequences of illegal immigration in Maricopa County, Arpaio could not demonstrate a “cognizable injury” resulting from the president’s actions.
The White House praised the judge’s decision.
“The Supreme Court and Congress have made clear that federal officials can set priorities in enforcing our immigration laws, and the actions announced by the President are consistent with those taken by administrations of both parties for the last half century,” White House Deputy Press Secretary Eric Schultz said.