On June 23, 2016, the US Supreme Court affirmed by an equally divided court, the decision of Fifth Circuit, to block the Administration’s immigration initiatives, Deferred Action for Parental Accountability and expanded Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. The impact of such decision is deep on some 5 million undocumented immigrants who would have gained a stay from removal proceedings and a work permit as well. They are now left with no or meager hope that Judge Hanen would reverse his prior decision.
On this much disappointing day, the hopes will now shift to the next president of the United States. One nominee has declared to build a wall on the border to prevent illegal immigrants entering in to the US and the other nominee has a pro immigrant stand. In all this the present President is surely frustrated with today’s decision. He had no support from the Senate Republicans in electing Supreme Court judge to replace J Scalia.
In consequence, Department of Homeland Security issued a statement indicating that the individuals may continue to come forward and request initial grants or renewals of DACA, pursuant to the guidelines established in 2012. Secretary Johnson showed his disappointment with the 4-4 decision and the gridlock in Congress that has stood in the way of more lasting, comprehensive immigration reforms.
The potential outcome of this decision could be that the court may dismiss the case for lack of standing, reverse the Fifth circuit on critical legal issue, or affirm the Fifth circuit decision. But today, as we stand with this decision, it has shattered dreams of many immigrants who had hoped to legalize their stay in US and make a productive contribution to the society.
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