AILA Joins Brief Urging Supreme Court to Uphold Executive Branch’s Immigration Powers
| CONTACTS: | |
|---|---|
| George Tzamaras 202-507-7649 gtzamaras@aila.org |
Belle Woods 202-507-7675 bwoods@aila.org |
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) joined a multitude of stakeholders in filing amicus briefs with the Supreme Court, urging the Court to affirm the executive branch's authority over immigration issues. Oral arguments in the case, United States vs. Texas, are scheduled for April 18 and a decision is expected later in June.
AILA President Victor Nieblas Pradis remarked, "The case boils down to one thing: whether the valid exercise of federal constitutional power over immigration can be blocked by a single state. Texas has concocted a questionable and desperate standing argument alleging harmful costs related to subsidized driver's licenses that cannot and should not withstand scrutiny."
President Obama announced the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) program and the expansion of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) in November 2014, after Congress repeatedly failed to pass the necessary comprehensive reforms to rebuild our nation's immigration system and bring it into the 21st century. DAPA and DACA would remove the fear of deportation for millions of immigrants who have significant ties to this country, as parents of Americans or those who were brought here as children. Rather than offering permanent legal status, the programs grant a temporary reprieve from deportation and the opportunity to apply for work permits upon completion of a background check and biometric screening.
Mr. Nieblas concluded, "The politically motivated actions of Texas and the other states, of Judge Hanen and the Fifth Circuit, have led us here, where the highest court in the land will determine the fates of millions who already contribute to our communities, pray in our churches, help our neighbors, and call America home."
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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.