Student loan borrowers rally as US supreme court hears debt relief cases

Biden’s plan to clear up to $20,000 in debt hit roadblocks as six Republican-led states claim president overstepped his authority

Student loan borrowers braved a cold snap on Tuesday to gather on the steps of the US supreme court as justices inside heard arguments for two crucial cases that could determine the fate of Joe Biden’s giant loan forgiveness program aimed at easing a financial burden for millions of Americans.

The president’s plan to clear up to $20,000 in debt for nearly 40 million student loan borrowers has hit several roadblocks since it was announced in August of last year amid staunch Republican opposition that has taken to the courts to block it.