Supreme Court Justices Hear Arguments in Dispute Over Obama Immigration Actions

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Supreme Court appears divided over Obama administration programs that could affect millions of people who are in the country illegally.

U.S. Border Patrol agent Richard Funke looks for footprints from illegal immigrants crossing the U.S.- Mexico border on December 7, 2010 near Nogales, Arizona. Although a new fence has been built along the majority of Arizona's border with Mexico, critics have called for fencing of the entire stretch. Much of the unfenced terrain is in remote and mountainous areas. Although illegal immigration has slowed all along the U.S. Mexico border, Border Patrol officials say the Tucson sector remains the most heavily trafficked in the nation. (Image source: Getty Images)

The administration's best hope for a favorable ruling after 90 minutes of arguments at the high court Monday appeared to rest with Chief Justice John Roberts. Roberts asked questions suggesting he could side with the administration if there is a small change in the proposed programs.

The administration is asking the justices to allow it to put in place two programs that could shield roughly 4 million people from deportation and make them eligible to work in the United States.

Texas is leading 26 states dominated by Republicans in challenging the programs President Barack Obama announced in 2014 and that have been put on hold by lower courts.

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