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November 10, 2015

 

LATINO LEADERS DECRY HEARTLESS FIFTH CIRCUIT DECISION TO BLOCK PRESIDENT’S ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION ON IMMIGRATION

NHLA supports Obama Administration decision to appeal the case to the U.S. Supreme Court

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Hispanic Leadership Agenda (NHLA), a coalition of 40 of the nation’s preeminent Latino organizations, expressed its disappointment with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit's decision in the Texas v. United States case, siding with a lower court judge in blocking implementation of President Obama’s administrative actions on immigration.  The President’s administrative actions would have expanded the existing Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status and established the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA), granting affirmative relief from deportation to nearly five million undocumented immigrants.

“The Fifth Circuit Court’s decision heartlessly delays implementation of the President’s common-sense administrative actions that would allow millions of individuals to come out of the shadows, apply for work authorization, pay taxes, and – most importantly – remain united with their families.  Congress’ failure to act responsibly on immigration reform, and the current Speaker’s refusal to even allow it to come up for a vote, continues to make administrative action on immigration a necessity.  The Obama Administration Is right to swiftly to appeal this decision to the U.S. Supreme Court so that it can be overturned and justice can be served for immigrant families across the nation,” said Hector Sanchez, NHLA Chair and Executive Director of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement.

"There is a long history of executive actions on immigration, a fact validated and well-established by both Republican and Democratic former presidents," stated Jose Calderon, President of the Hispanic Federation. "This is not a decision based on the rule of law and precedent, instead it is one based on the bias of two judges who disagree with the pro-immigrant policies inherent in Obama's executive action. Our community and nation deserves better and we look forward to justice being done when the U.S. Supreme Court reviews this case."

“The split Fifth Circuit panel’s 2-1 decision is hopelessly anachronistic, preventing any president from effectively exercising the acknowledged authority of prosecutorial discretion,” stated Thomas A. Saenz, NHLA Vice Chair and MALDEF President and General Counsel.  “A 21st century Court should recognize the necessity of well-guided and nimble direction in exercising that well-established executive authority.”  

 

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Established in 1991, the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda (NHLA) brings together Hispanic leaders to establish policy priorities that address, and raise public awareness of the major issues affecting the Latino community and the nation as a whole. For more information, please visit www.nationalhispanicleadership.org  and follow @NHLAgenda.

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

 

| Teresa Acuña | teresa@nationalhispanicleadership.org | (202) 508-6917 |

| Estuardo Rodriguez | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | (202) 463-4806 |

 

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