Federal Judge Andrew S. Hanen on Wednesday shot down the attempt by three illegal immigrants to intervene in the lawsuit seeking to halt President Obama’s temporary deportation amnesty, as all sides await a major ruling in the case.
Judge Hanen said he is rushing to reach a judgment on the request by Texas and more than two dozen other states for an injunction to stop Mr. Obama’s amnesty before it begins taking applications on Feb. 18, and allowing the three “Jane Doe” illegal immigrants to join in defending Mr. Obama’s actions “will cause undue delay” in his ability to reach a decision.
The judge, however, said he would treat the three Jane Does’ arguments as a “friend of the court” brief, meaning their views are taken into consideration, though they don’t have independent powers of appeal or defense.
Judge Hanen also denied the request to intervene by Orly Taitz, a lawyer who has previously challenged Mr. Obama’s birth, arguing despite evidence to the contrary that he is ineligible to be president.
The judge said her thoughts will be considered as a “friend of the court” brief instead, just like the illegal immigrants.
• Stephen Dinan can be reached at sdinan@washingtontimes.com.
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