SCOTUS DACA Deadlock a Disaster for Families Seeking Refuge in US, Says HIAS

WASHINGTON—Today the Supreme Court, by voting 4-4 and failing to make a decision, let stand a lower court’s ruling that blocks the Administration’s expansion of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Deferred Action for Parents of Americans (DAPA).

HIAS, the global Jewish nonprofit that protects refugees, has been supportive of the President’s plan to allow millions of immigrants who have raised families, worked hard, and contributed to communities across the country to remain in the United States legally.

Mark Hetfield, HIAS’ President and CEO, said, “We are deeply disappointed by today’s Supreme Court decision on DACA. Many of those who fled violence in Central America meet all the criteria to be considered refugees but can't find lawyers and face numerous barriers to getting a fair day in court. This non-decision places them, many of whom have close family members here, at grave risk of deportation.”

Added Melanie Nezer, HIAS’ Vice President for Policy and Advocacy, “Today’s decision means families will continue to be torn apart, and people with legitimate protection concerns will continue to be in danger. The DACA and DAPA programs would have given many Central American asylum seekers a more immediate and certain path to legal status in the United States. It's very unfortunate that this path to safety is now closed to them.”