Immigration relief after Texas v. United States: What now?
By Sandhya Bathija
On February 16, a federal court ruled in Texas v. United States to temporarily delay the implementation of two of President Barack Obama’s immigration relief programs, which immigrants fought hard to achieve.
This decision is NOT permanent, which is why Advancing Justice | AAJC is urging the 500,000 Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) who could benefit from these immigration relief programs to continue to prepare to apply.
Yesterday, we called on community leaders and the ethnic media to help us educate about the programs, share undocumented immigrant stories to combat the stigma our communities associate with being undocumented, and encourage undocumented immigrants to come forward and apply. Two DACA recipients spoke on the call about how these programs have changed their lives and encouraged other immigrants to not be afraid. Listen to their stories here.
Because so many AAPIs are already hesitant to apply, we especially need to reach out and let our communities know this lawsuit is just the first round. The fight is far from over and we fully expect the appeals court to reverse this decision.
Help us educate about this lawsuit by reading and sharing our fact sheet, Immigration relief after Texas v. United States: What now?
Also, encourage those you know who may be eligible to receive relief under the existing Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) program to apply. Remind them that these programs are not solely about deportation relief, but also provide the many benefits that come with having a work authorization, including in some states the ability to get a driver’s license, receive health care, open a bank account and receive in-state tuition.
For more information about the Obama immigration relief programs, see:
Immigration relief after Texas v. United States: What now?
Fact sheet: How to prepare for Obama’s executive action
Advancing Justice | AAJC’s Resource Page on Executive Action
Press release: Federal judge rules against immigrant families
