Today we heard the disappointing news on the Supreme Court’s deadlock decision in U.S. v Texas, a case critical to the future of the Obama administration’s deferred action immigration initiatives known as Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) and the expansion of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). We are disappointed by the failure of the Supreme Court to issue a decision, therefore blocking the implementation of DAPA and expanded DACA.
DAPA and expanded DACA are commonsense programs that are lawful, constitutional, and necessary. DAPA and expanded DACA would have provided relief from deportation and work permits to an estimated five million people across the country, and an estimated 10,000 in the Little Village community. The fight is not over, and we will continue to work alongside our community to stop the criminalization of immigrants and to end deportations.We will not stop until every member of our community can live in dignity, without fear of being separated from their families. We remind community residents to exercise their power at the ballot box, and through direct action.
The Supreme Court’s decision is deeply disappointing, however it does not affect the 2012 DACA, and we encourage those who qualify to apply. Saturday, June 25th, at 9am, Enlace Chicago, in collaboration with the Community Activism Law Alliance (CALA) and the Mexican Consulate in Chicago, will host a clinic for new and renewal applications for those who qualify for the 2012 DACA at Madero Middle School, located at 3202 W 28th St. The legal clinic is a ‘one-stop-shop’ for getting individualized immigration-related legal advice, and completing DACA new and renewal applications. Help us spread the word that 2012 DACA still stands!
We ask President Obama to do more. Without a decision on DAPA and expanded DACA, we want him to place a moratorium on all deportations. We also encourage our community to stay informed and to keep neighbors informed. It is important for everyone to have the correct information and to avoid fraud. Since DAPA was not approved, application processes or waiting lists for potential candidates to sign on to do not exist. Enlace invites community residents to join us for a conversation on Monday June 27 at 6pm, at our satellite office located at 2329 S. Troy. We will have more information about next steps, and provide an opportunity for sharing, reflecting, and learning about the Supreme Court’s decision.