NHCSL Condemns SCOTUS decision on DACA/DAPA

WASHINGTON, June 23, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators (NHCSL) today condemned the US Supreme Court's split decision on US v. Texas. The 4-4 ruling will return the cases questioning the constitutionality of expanded Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) to the lower court of appeals for further review. NHCSL Executive Director Kenneth Romero, Esq. issued the following statement:

"NHCSL strongly condemns the US Supreme Court decision to remand the US v. Texas case to the lower courts instead of affirming the President's constitutional authority to focus scarce immigration enforcement resources on those who would do us harm instead of deporting mothers and fathers who are working to make our country more vibrant and prosperous. In this regard, we join and support the 40 plus organization comprising the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda (NHLA) in rejecting this flawed decision. As many legal scholars have stated, today's decision, however, was based purely on procedural grounds and in no way states that the federal government's executive actions on DACA and DAPA are beyond the scope of the President's constitutional authority. We therefore call on the court of appeals to review the case on its merits and make a decision based on the rule of law and common decency." 

"This decision also underscores the need for comprehensive immigration reform legislation as the only permanent solution to our broken immigration system. America is a country of laws and immigrants and a more efficient and humane immigration system will benefit American workers, immigrant families, and our national security. As the premiere organization representing state legislators from across the country, and the US territories and commonwealths, we stand ready to work on a bipartisan basis to make sure this type of tough but smart legislation is enacted as soon as possible by Congress."

The NHCSL is the premier national association of Hispanic state legislators working to design and implement policies and procedures that will improve the quality of life for Hispanics throughout the country.  NHCSL was founded in 1989 as a nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization with the mission to be the most effective voice for the more than 350 Hispanic legislators.  For more information visit www.nhcsl.org.

SOURCE National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators

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