AUSTIN, Texas (AP)   Gov. Rick Perry has told state agencies that the Obama administration’s new program allowing some illegal immigrants to avoid deportation is “a slap in the face to the rule of law,” and clarified that Texas’ immigration policies won’t change.

In a letter to Attorney General Greg Abbott dated Aug. 16 but sent to all agency heads Monday, Perry said he was seeking to “avoid any confusion on the impact of the Obama administration’s actions.” He added that the federal policy confers “absolutely no legal status whatsoever to any alien who qualifies.”