Latino Caucus Continues Comprehensive Immigration Reform as Executive Actions are Challenged

February 18, 2015

(SACRAMENTO) – Today, the California Latino Legislative Caucus renewed calls for passage of comprehensive immigration reform in light of a federal judge’s ruling in Texas to postpone the processing of applications for Deferred Action under the President's November Executive Action.

“While Congress continues to shirk its responsibility to pass comprehensive immigration reform, the President took the initiative last year and granted modest immigration relief to millions of hard working immigrants who want nothing more than the ability to provide for their families,” states Luis Alejo, Chairman of the California Latino Legislative Caucus. “Regrettably, this ruling from an activist Texas judge will once again throw millions of hardworking families in California and across the nation into legal limbo.”

On November 20, 2014, the President announced an Executive Order to expand the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA) to millions of immigrants across the nation. On Monday, Federal Judge Andrew S. Hanen, of Texas, issued an injunction against the expansion of DACA on the grounds that the Administration violated an obscure provision of the 1946 Administrative Procedures Act which according to Judge Hanen would have required the administration to notice its order in the Federal Registrar as well as provide an opportunity for written comment.

"Legal Scholars agree that the President's Executive Actions are legally sound, and consistent with past Presidential actions,” said Senator Ben Hueso, Vice Chair of the Latino Caucus. "We encourage all residents who are eligible for DACA+ and DAPA to gather all necessary documents and have them ready for when the courts rule in favor of the President's Executive authority."

The U.S Justice Department is preparing an appeal of Judge Hanen’s ruling before the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.  If successful, Hanen’s ruling could be blocked within days.

While the expansion of DACA has been temporarily halted, this injunction does not affect those who are currently eligible under the existing DACA guidelines established by an Executive Order on June 12, 2012. Individuals who qualify may continue to come forward and request an initial grant of DACA or renewal of DACA under the guidelines established in 2012.

For information or to apply for DACA please visit: http://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/consideration-deferred-action-childhood-arrivals-daca

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Contact: Michelle Reyes / Michelle.Reyes@asm.ca.gov / (916) 319-2030