Supreme Court Blocks Obama Immigration Plan

A 4-4 vote by the U.S. Supreme Court is blocking President Barack Obama's immigration plan that sought to shield millions living in the U.S. illegally from deportation.

The justices' one-sentence opinion on Thursday effectively kills the plan for the duration of Obama's presidency.

Oklahoma was one of 26 Republican-dominated states to challenge the program Obama announced in November 2014. 

Attorney General Scott Pruitt says the vote by the high court is a victory for the rule of law.

“Today’s ruling is a victory for the rule of law and another major setback to President Obama’s agenda to rewrite the law through unconstitutional executive orders. President Obama has continuously violated his oath – to faithfully execute the laws as passed by the legislative branch.

Not only does this ruling halt the implementation of the president’s unconstitutional immigration actions, but it ensures that his administration will be prevented from implementing these orders for the rest of his term.”

A tie vote sets no national precedent but leaves in place the ruling by the lower court. In this case, the federal appeals court in New Orleans said the Obama administration lacked the authority to shield up to 4 million immigrants from deportation and make them eligible for work permits without approval from Congress.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.