Justice department asks supreme court to intervene in fight against Daca

Department asks high court for 'direct review' of ruling that temporarily blocks Trump administration from phasing out Daca

The Department of Justice said on Tuesday it is appealing against a federal judge's ruling that temporarily blocked the Trump administration from phasing out the Obama-era program granting protections to young, undocumented immigrants - and asking the supreme court to intervene.

The department said it had filed an appeal in the ninth circuit court and intends to "take the rare step" later this week of seeking a fast track to the supreme court.

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When Congress fails to pass appropriate funding for government operations and agencies, a shutdown is triggered.