DACA+/DAPA: The Future for Immigrants
By Elizabeth Ricci, Esq
“Affirmed”. That was the word uttered by Chief Justice John Roberts as I sat in the front row of the U.S. Supreme Court on June 23rd. My partner and I traveled to Washington to hear in person the decision in United States v. Texas, the case considering Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) and the expansion of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA+).
We join millions of immigrant families and their defenders and are deeply disappointed with the decision to uphold the Texas court’s decision. The tie means that the lower court’s injunction stands and DAPA and the expansion of DACA cannot be implemented now. We must await a decision from Texas. Meanwhile, almost 4 million families, including over 95,000 Floridians, about 3,000 of whom live in Leon County, will continue to live in fear of separation and our economy will continue to miss out to the tune of 100,000,000 in tax revenues over the next five years just in the Sunshine State.
Those affected by the disappointing decision may have alternatives such as orders of supervision, the U visa or direct deferred action, however. For those who do not, we will continue to fight until there is relief for immigrant families. We remind immigrants in the Florida Panhandle not to trust notaries or unlicensed immigration consultants who may try to take advantage of confusion surrounding the recent decision.
At this point we really need is what we’ve needed all along – smart, balanced immigration reform that brings our laws into the 21st century. We also need Congress to confirm a Supreme Court nominee to eliminate future ties.
I have spoken to civic groups across the state to emphasize the need for real reforms. I laid out examples of immigrants making contributions to the community, and highlighted ways our laws could be reformed to increase our shared prosperity. I emphasized that what we need is Congress to lead on this important issue because thus far our nation has failed to find a workable solution to the problems faced by immigrants, businesses, employers, and state and local governments. This decision makes the need for Congress to act all the more imperative. You can help, too, by voting for candidates who are will work together across party lines to solve the immigration issue.
