On Monday April 18, thousands of people rallied in front of the US
Supreme Court as the justices heard
oral arguments in United States v. Texas. Twenty-six states, including Texas,
sued the Obama administration for the executive actions President Obama signed
in 2014 that were intended to defer deportation for millions of undocumented
immigrants, specifically for the parents of legal U.S. residents. That program
is known as DAPA.
In November, 2014, President Obama issued several executive immigration
initiatives, including vital administrative relief programs for millions of
immigrants. Key provisions of the reforms included expanded Deferred Action for
Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and
Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA). At its core, the goal of DACA/DAPA is to
protect and keep families together. The programs are intended for people with
close family ties to U.S. citizens and residents and do not pose a safety or
security threat. In February, 2015 a Texas federal district court blocked
implementation of the DACA/DAPA programs. In response, the Department of
Justice petitioned the Supreme Court to hear the case.
DACA and DAPA are important
step to protecting immigrant’s right until comprehensive immigration reform is
passed. They provide tremendous economic benefits to everyone in the United
States.
You shall not wrong or oppress a resident alien, for you were
aliens in the land of Egypt. You shall not abuse any widow or orphan.
- Exodus 22:21-22
As Presbyterians,
we recognize that these texts instruct the people of God on how to treat the
“alien,” sometimes alternately translated “foreigner” or “immigrant.” Indeed in
today’s vocabulary, these passages are clearly instructions on how we must
treat immigrants and refugees in our midst. The challenge is not simply to
investigate the linguistic derivation of this term, but to recognize that each
of these groups – aliens, widows, orphans – represents otherness in the
society. The clear implications of the texts
are that no one (outcasts or otherwise) should be abused or be treated as
second-class citizens. Nor should they be bereft of the assistance of the whole
community in breaking the chains of oppression that bind them.
The high court will
decide on the future of the immigration initiatives by June 30. Programs
affected by President Obama’s initiatives affect more than 2.6 million U.S.
citizens living with an affected family member. The Office of Public Witness
stands with these millions of families in hope for a court decision that will
allow them to remain together.
The Interfaith Immigration Coalition is asking that people plan or attend a vigil or action in support of DACA/DAPA between now and the end of June, when the Supreme Court will release its decision. Please consider planning an event, and use this resource and planning guide as a tool in your advocacy.
