US seeks stay of ruling on Obama immigration action

HOUSTON (AP) — The U.S. government has asked a federal judge to lift his temporary hold on President Barack Obama's executive action to shield millions of immigrants from deportation.

The Justice Department's motion for a stay was filed Monday with U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen in Brownsville, Texas.

Last week, Hanen issued a preliminary injunction sought by 26 states suing to halt immigration action by Obama, who wants to spare from deportation as many as 5 million people who are in the U.S. illegally. The states, led by Texas, have argued Obama's action is unconstitutional.

Legal experts say it is unlikely Hanen will put his ruling on hold, meaning the request would then go before the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans.