Commentary: Today the U.S. Supreme Court let stand a preliminary injunction that blocked the implementation of two deferred action initiatives of President Barack Obama, known as expanded DACA and DAPA, which aimed at keeping millions of children and families together. The National Education Association filed an amicus brief in United States v. Texas standing along with scores of advocates for children, including pediatricians, psychologists, and social workers, who urged the Court to vacate the preliminary injunction.
The court’s action today illustrates the need for a full-strength Supreme Court to serve the American people. NEA and allies are also urging the U.S. Senate to do its job by holding a hearing and vote on the President’s nominee, Chief Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Merrick Garland.
NEA President Lily Eskelsen García issued the following statement:
“Today is a sad day for millions of students and their families. The Supreme Court decision will inflict further harm on the health and the educational opportunities of millions of children faced with fear and anxiety about separation from their parents and families.
“We’ve seen how a growing number of public school students already live in fear that our country’s broken immigration policies are tearing up their families, and forcing them to choose between the country they have called home and their loved ones. Experts know that children whose parents face removal from the United States are more likely to suffer a host of harms, particularly to their educational opportunities and health. This decision will only make matters worse.
“We urge the Obama administration to stick to their commitment to keep families together, to fight with every available political, administrative, and legal tool at their disposal to protect the rights and dreams of these aspiring American families. They deserve the very best education and support our country can give them. This is their home. They have celebrated their birthdays, attended school, and dreamed their dreams right here in the United States.
“United States v. Texas is an example of the real life implications of Supreme Court decisions. This case highlights the fact that there are too many lives at stake to play political games with the nomination process. That is why Americans are counting on senators, both Republicans and Democrats, to do their job and fill the vacancy on the Court. The Senate must move swiftly in providing Judge Garland a confirmation hearing and a vote.
“We will not rest. We will pursue all avenues to keep these children in school to reach their full potential and united with their families. And we will continue our fight for comprehensive immigration reform. Politicians need to put their political differences aside and reach across the aisle to do not only what is just but right for our students.”
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The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing more than 3 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators and students preparing to become teachers. Learn more at www.nea.org.