Madison immigrant families held a press conference urging the United States Supreme Court to uphold deportation protection programs created by President Obama as they rallied in support of DAPA and DACA+ at Centro Hispano of Dane County this afternoon.
“Today across the country, millions of American families are demonstrating their support for the president’s immigration action. We know that DAPA and extended DACA stand on the right side of the new law,” said Grisel Tapia, an organizer for Voces de la Frontera. “The Supreme Court has a real chance to promote justice and to overcome the politics of hate.”
The U.S. Supreme Court is convening today for oral arguments in a case that could determine the fate of millions of undocumented immigrants hoping for relief from the looming threat of deportation. At stake are two of President Obama’s executive actions — the Deferred Action for Parents and Americans (DAPA) and its sister initiative, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA+) — that seeks to improve the situation for unauthorized immigrants in the absence of congressional action on the issue. DAPA and DACA+ would give immigrants with deep ties to the country more options to stay and work in the United States. The Supreme Court’s ruling in United States v. Texas, will determine whether President Obama’s executive actions will finally be allowed to go forward.
Centro Hispano of Dane County Executive Director Karen Menendez-Coller said that “today is a very positive day in our view here at Centro.”
“A year ago we met here talking about the potential of DAPA and expanding DACA to so many of our youth who are in need of opportunity. Things didn’t go as planned, but here we are supporting a nationwide movement that is backing up the voices of 5 million-plus family members who will benefit from this legislation,” Menendez-Coller said. “It is shameful that such legislation has not been passed and we will continue to advocate, along with Voces de la Frontera, to make sure that our families are able to grow and thrive in this community.”
Speaking directly to the families, Menendez-Coller added: “We will not stop advocating for you and know that Centro will be your home through this process and if you have any questions, please reach out. We will not stop until immigration reform passes in this country.”
Alder Shiva Bidar said that she was proud to be at the press conference representing the Madison Common Council who she said has taken action time and time again in expressing their support for comprehensive immigration reform.
“I think it’s really important to understand the Supreme Court has in front of them probably the most important decision on immigration that they will ever have to rule on in my lifetime,” Bidar said. “The president has not overstepped his executive action. He is really doing something that is common sense. It’s something that is needed in all of our communities. It will allow members of our communities to fulfill their American dreams to be able to contribute fully, as they already do, to the city of Madison.”
Madison Mayor Paul Soglin said that the City of Madison has joined with over 100 cities and counties in the U.S. to become part of “Cities for Action,” a coalition of mayors leading the effort to promote and advance the president’s immigration reform measures.
“We will continue to be a friend of the president, the court, and of the tens of thousands of families who will be affected by positive ruling on behalf of immigration reform,” Soglin said. “The City of Madison has provided resources for our undocumented residence to prepare themselves for the implementation of the president’s executive order. We will continue to work with Centro Hispano and all of the other voices that support this effort to ensure our residents are provided with the necessary support and guidance so that we will achieve justice within a very short period of time.”
After a group of GOP-led states sued the administration, including Wisconsin’s Gov. Walker, the initiatives were blocked from taking effect. Now, the future of the two policies rests on the U.S. Supreme Court, and undocumented immigrants and their families are awaiting the high court’s decision.
Guadalupe Salmeron, a student that has been affected positively by DACA, shared her own personal story at the press conference.
“I am one of the students who was fortunate to receive DACA back in 2012 when it was passed by President Obama,” Salmeron said. “Receiving DACA has opened many doors for me including being able to contribute to our economy and get more professional work experience and internships I’ve been able to get through my work permit. DACA has also motivated me to get a higher education because now I know that when I graduate I will be able to use my degree and move on.
“DACA has empowered me to step out of the shadows and show the world what hard-working immigrants like us can actually do,” she added. “There are still many millions who have not been able to benefit like I did due to age and other logistical factors who are still in need of this coverage along with our parents, too, who have sacrificed so much and deserve this status. Expanding DACA and DAPA will allow us to pursue and hopefully achieve the American dream.”
