Immigration Reform News 2015: Officials Press Texas Judge to Lift Freeze Order on Obama Immigration Program

More city officials and state representatives have expressed their support to President Barack Obama's immigration policy as they pressed a Texas judge who blocked his executive action on the matter to reconsider and lift his injunction order.

At least 70 mayors and state representatives all over the country have already signed the Cities United for Immigration Action, a campaign led by New York Mayor Bill de Blasio and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti appealing to Texas District Judge Andrew Hanen to lift his freeze order on the President's immigration reform program.

They said the action taken by the judge contributes "significant harm" to immigration reform.

"Continuing to delay implementation of the President's executive action on immigration hurts our economy and puts families at risk," De Blasio said on Monday.

Job creation, increased local tax revenue and improved public safety are some of the advantages cited in the group's brief filed on Monday.

"Our cities are united, and we will fight for the immigration reform this nation needs and deserves -- whether in the courtroom, in Congress, or in our communities. Make no mistake about it: our voices will be heard," the New York mayor said.

Obama bypassed the Republican-led Congress in November by signing an executive order meant to protect almost five million immigrants from deportation. Obama's executive order also provided benefits to some parents of citizens and legal residents, according to the International Business Times.

The President's unilateral move was quickly condemned by Republicans, accusing Obama of infringing boundaries.

Later, Judge Hanen blocked the President's actions after 26 states, led by Texas, asked the court to prevent the implementation of Obama's immigration reform program.

Democrats have come to the aid of the President. "I proudly stand with my fellow Mayors throughout the country in support of President Obama's executive actions on immigration that promote family stability, economic growth, and community cohesiveness," Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh said in statement.

"Mayors see firsthand the importance of having immigrant populations in our cities and likewise, the detrimental effects of a broken immigration system," Walsh said.