Commentary: Archbishop John C. Wester issued the following statement regarding the June 23, 2016 US Supreme Court's decision on President Obama’s Executive Action immigration:
"I am saddened to learn about the Supreme Court’s ruling yesterday regarding legal challenges to President Obama’s Executive Actions on immigration. The expanded Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and the Deferred Action for Parent of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) would have prevented further deportations of millions of immigrants. The 4-4 tie on the Supreme Court means that DAPA and expanded DACA will remain blocked nationwide from going into effect, and will remain in the courts.
This is a great sadness for many of our people. While immigration is a very complex issue, we must also acknowledge all the contributions immigrants provide to enrich our country. This decision will mean that immigrants will continue to live in the shadows and will continue to face the possibility of deportation and separation from their families. No doubt, many could also be deprived of basic human rights and benefits.
We should not lose hope that a comprehensive and permanent immigration reform is possible. We will continue to advocate for such reform so that our great country, which has been built on the backbones of immigrants, will continue to be true to its roots and support the dignity of all."