TK
It's been ten years since huge crowds marched for immigration reform. Joseph Sohm / Shutterstock.com

Mother Jones:

On Thursday, the Supreme Court dealt a major blow to President Barack Obama's effort to shield some undocumented immigrants from deportation. Before a half-empty courtroom, the court issued a one-page decision announcing its 4-4 deadlock that upholds the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals' November decision to block implementation of Obama's executive action on immigration.

Obama's order would have granted relief from deportation to about 4 million immigrants, largely the parents of American citizen children.

The lawsuit was brought by a coalition of Southern states, led by Texas. The National Immigration Law Center issued this statement:

Today, the eight justices failed to act, and countless families will suffer as a consequence. U.S. citizen children like Sophie Cruz will continue to live in daily fear that their mom or dad won’t be there one day to kiss them goodnight.

Millions marched in 2006—some of the largest-ever protests in many cities' histories—for comprehensive immigration reform. Republicans stymied that effort under Bush. They continue to obstruct under Obama. The Los Angeles Times notes that the court was deadlocked because of the GOP's refusal to hold a vote on Merrick Garland, the president's nominee to replace Antonin Scalia.

Perhaps it's time to hit the streets again.