AILA: Lives of Undocumented Families Now in Supreme Court’s Hands

Washington, DC - Victor Nieblas Pradis, President of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), responded to the government's official request that the Supreme Court review the decision by the 5th Circuit blocking the implementation of the expanded Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Deferred Action for Parents of Americans (DAPA) programs with the following statement:

"On the one-year anniversary of President Obama's announcement of the DAPA and expanded DACA programs, the government filed a 'petition for certiorari' and started on the path toward a review by the Supreme Court. This is just the first step down that path though, and the court is expected to decide early next year whether it will take up the case. We urge the court not only to take the case but to rule in favor of the administration and allow DAPA and expanded DACA to be implemented.

"For the past year, millions have continued to live in fear of their families being torn apart, of their lives being destroyed. That fear and anguish would have been allayed had expanded DACA and DAPA been allowed to move forward without the politically motivated lawsuit that delayed it. I am glad to see the government is standing firmly in support of the programs and the families who are still waiting. The president demonstrated leadership in providing relief for those who are at risk of deportation but would have been eligible for legalization if Congress passed reform.

"As the petition references, the 'unprecedented nationwide injunction against implementing a federal immigration enforcement policy of great national importance' warrants the Supreme Court's attention, which cannot come soon enough for AILA members and their clients.

"Again however, we are reminded that Congress had, and continues to have, the chance to effect real change through comprehensive immigration reform that would reunite families, help businesses flourish, and boost the American economy. The president's actions are incredibly important, but they are temporary, and we urge Congress to bring our immigration laws into the 21st century through comprehensive reform."

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The American Immigration Lawyers Association is the national association of immigration lawyers established to promote justice, advocate for fair and reasonable immigration law and policy, advance the quality of immigration and nationality law and practice, and enhance the professional development of its members.