AFT Disappointed in Supreme Court Ruling on Immigration

WASHINGTON—Statement by American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten on the U.S. Supreme Court’s 4-4 decision in Texas v. United States, which upheld a lower court's injunction against implementation of the expansion of the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) programs. The ruling does not affect current recipients of DACA.

“Today’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling on immigration is a devastating blow to 5 million aspiring Americans—including immigrant youth and their parents—who will continue to suffer unnecessary fear and uncertainty. Hopes and dreams will be put on hold, and families will be back to living in the shadows. This is a stark reminder of what’s at stake in the November election, and it’s a reminder of the importance of having nine justices on the court. The Supreme Court’s deadlock is because of congressional refusal to do its constitutional duty and act on a Supreme Court justice.

“Sadly, because Congress refused to take up an immigration bill, President Obama acted in the wake of this congressional inaction on an issue of vital concern—as other presidents have done through executive actions—and now we have today’s Supreme Court deadlock. Our nation is a land of immigrants that should create bridges and tear down walls of oppression and exclusion. Today’s court decision is a case study in doubling down on obstruction and Congress’ willful disregard of its obligation to do the people’s business.”