Hispanic Caucus on GOP’s Amicus Brief against Immigration Executive Actions

Washington, D.C. – Today, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) released the following statements condemning Speaker Paul Ryan’s announcement that House Republicans will force a vote on a resolution authorizing the filing of a legal brief that supports halting the President’s immigration executive actions. The Supreme Court is hearing United States v. Texas this term and by filing the brief, Republicans want to block the immigration executive actions from taking effect.

The statements come from the CHC’s Immigration Task Force Co-Chairs, Congressman Luis V. Gutiérrez and Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez.

“As a matter of law, the Supreme Court really has no choice but to rule in favor of the U.S. Government and the President because he has acted within the bounds of the law and consistent with how past presidents from both parties have acted. As a matter of politics, it is clear where the two parties stand when it comes to keeping families together and allowing immigrants to contribute to this country’s well-being versus the fantasy that we should deport 11 million people. As a matter of conscience, I am appalled the Republicans and Speaker Ryan are taking this step,” said Congressman Luis V. Gutiérrez.

“I'm hopeful that the Supreme Court will recognize the legality and importance of President Obama’s executive actions for our immigrant families. The President acted to keep hard-working immigrant families together and to ensure that DREAMERS can continue to live in the only country they’ve ever known. However, Congress must do its job and pass comprehensive immigration reform now. America deserves a fair and just immigration system, and our hard-working immigrant families have waited long enough,” said Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez.

####