AILA: Divided Supreme Court Leaves Millions of Immigrant Families in Limbo

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), responded to the Supreme Court's 4-4 deadlock in United States v. Texas, the case considering President Obama's Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) and expanded Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA):

AILA President Victor Nieblas Pradis commented, "In another blow, the Supreme Court has denied the opportunity for parents of United States citizens and students to seek refuge and protection from a dysfunctional immigration system that is broken and apparently unfixable by our elected leaders. We will continue fighting the good fight until our immigration laws meet the needs and demands of our economy and American families, whether legal, in mixed status, or in unauthorized status."

"Though today's decision is disappointing, we must remember that this is not the end of the road for these incredibly important programs. The lower courts will continue to consider the case and ultimately, I would not be surprised if it ends up before the Supreme Court once again. In the meantime, Congress must do its job and pass smart immigration laws that will keep families united, benefit the economy, and propel our country forward. Until then, we will continue to fight for temporary initiatives like DAPA and expanded DACA that bring relief to immigrant families who have waited decades for the immigration system to be fixed. No one benefits from millions of immigrants and their U.S. citizen children living in fear," said Benjamin Johnson, AILA Executive Director.

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.