CHC ON FIFTH CIRCUIT’S RULING TO STRIKE DOWN IMMIGRATION EXECUTIVE ACTIONS

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chairwoman Linda T. Sánchez released the following statement after Texas' Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 2-1 against the immigration executive actions. President Obama's Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) programs would have benefited approximately 5 million people.

"The Fifth Circuit is on the wrong side of history. President Obama sought to do the right thing for our country absent a legislative solution, which has been blocked time after time by Republicans in Congress. Millions of people will have to continue living in fear until the future of their immigration status is determined. We know that DACA and DAPA-eligible individuals are taxpayers and have long contributed to our economy.

"While we are hopeful the Supreme Court will uphold the immigration executive actions, the Fifth Circuit's ruling provides an opportunity for Speaker Ryan to now lead on immigration reform. We urge the Republican Speaker to allow a vote on comprehensive immigration reform, and to deal with an issue that is not going away."

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