By Andy Dahn

BLOOMINGTON – A Supreme Court hearing that took place today could have major implications for legal immigration.

Illinois State University Supreme Court Scholar Megan Leonard explained what’s at stake in the United States v. Texas case.

“What the President would do is allow parents of citizens or other children who are here legally to stay here legally and work here legally,” Leonard said. “This could cover up to four million people.”

Leonard said two big questions need to be addressed in the case.

“One is whether Texas has the right to sue,” said Leonard. “We call this standing, where you have to show that you’re injured. In this case, Texas argues that the cost of driver’s licenses that these immigrants would be able to get would be such an injury to them that they have standing. The second is whether or not the President was acting within his constitutional power under what we call the Take Care Clause.”

Leonard added that the verdict could have a big impact on the race for the presidency.

“The next president can come in on their first day and either continue this or throw it out completely,” Leonard said. “So this could be a major decision that the court will make.”

The case is expected to continue until June.

Andy Dahn can be reached at [email protected].